Percutaneous Nucleotomy
Herniated Disks: Repair Through the Skin
Suction or Endoscopic Methods
Removal of herniated disks
What means percutaneous nucleotomy? By going through the skin the procedure prevents unnecessary tissue damage, thereby reducing
the risk of scarring so common to conventional surgery. This minimal invasive procedure has
been used in the USA and Europe for more than ten years with great success. With the help
of image intensifying technology and x-ray a small probe is inserted in the immediate
vicinity of the affected disk. At this point there are two ways to proceed:
1. The herniation suctioned toward the probe where an integrated knife then cuts it away from
the disk. The material is then suctioned away: the nerve root is no longer irritated.
Percutaneous nucleotomy: indications
- herniated disks
- herniated disks which have not responded to conventional treatment
- herniated disks which have not responded to epidural catheter treatment
Value
This is a minimal invasive procedure that also handles larger herniations; open surgery and the
potential for scarring that go along with it can thus be avoided.
Advantage
The procedure is available on an out-patient basis. It can bring relieve to the affected nerve
root through precise removal of the herniation. There is no scarring. An intensive rehabilitation
is not required.
Follow-Up
A special corset should be worn for two weeks following treatment. A program of physical therapy
stressing strength training begins two weeks after treatment.
Work
Office work and light physical activity can be resumed one to two weeks after treatment. Heavier
physical activity should be avoided for the first four weeks and may slowly be resumed thereafter.
Sport
Swimming and bike riding (both emphasizing upright posture are allowed after three weeks. Jogging
on soft surfaces is possible after four weeks. All other sports can be gradually resumed after
the fifth week depending on their degree of intensity.
Results
A success rate of over 80% is reported in the international literature.
| 
percutaneous nucleotomy herniated disks