What Is Percutaneous Discectomy?
Percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces disc material using a needle-based approach, with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
When Is It Considered?
This procedure may be considered in patients with:
- Contained disc herniations
- Lumbar radiculopathy
- Persistent symptoms despite conservative care
What Does It Treat?
Percutaneous discectomy reduces pressure on nerves caused by disc pathology.
What to Expect
The procedure is performed using a needle that is guided into the disc under imaging (X-ray). This creates a small access point without a traditional surgical incision. Specialized instruments are then passed through the needle to remove a small amount of disc material and relieve pressure on the nerve.
Recovery is generally quicker compared to more invasive procedures.
Next Steps
A thorough evaluation is necessary to determine if this is an appropriate option.