What is a Percutaneous Laser Discectomy?
The percutaneous laser discectomy is achieved by passing a side firing laser probe into specific regions of a lumbar or cervical disc under X-Ray control. The laser energy is then directed at the degenerate tissues to vapourise the unwanted disc material, reduce inflammation in the disc and to reduce pressure upon nerves passing over the disc protrusion. The laser discectomy is described in greater detail under the surgical procedure section. When do we use a KTP Laser Discectomy? The Percutaneous Laser Discectomy is used in this unit to remove broadbased disc protrusions. Our experience indicates that a KTP/532 laser discectomy should be performed in patients with: • Wide based disc protrusion • Protrusion occupying less than 30% of the antero-posterior (radiographic) diameter of the spinal canal • Weight bearing lumbar disc height of 4 mm or more • Dynamic retrolisthesis of 3 mm or less • Contained disc (except when treating Leaks) • Disc unadulterated by prior surgery When do we use
