Overview
This surgery, done through a tiny opening in your skin, treats a bulging or herniated disc in your lower back. It relieves pressure on nearby nerves. This can help with pain and other symptoms you may be experiencing in your back, buttock, leg and foot.
Preparation
To begin, you're given medicine to numb and relax you. You lie face down. The surgeon puts a needle into your side. With the help of a video x-ray device called a "fluoroscope," the surgeon advances the needle into your disc. A guide wire is put through the needle. The needle is removed. Next, a tapered tube called a "cannula" is pushed over the wire and into the disc, and the wire is removed. The surgeon will work through this tube.
Reducing the Pressure
Using tiny forceps, the surgeon carefully removes material from inside the disc. This reduces pressure. It lets the disc return to a more normal shape. This will stop it from pressing on nearby nerve roots.
Treating the Disc Wall
Finally, the surgeon inserts a thin radio frequency device. It heats the inside of the disc. This helps repair cracks in the disc wall. It also helps block pain signals in tiny nerves in the disc wall.
End of Procedure
When the procedure is done, the opening on your skin is closed. You are watched for a brief time, and then you can go home. Your healthcare provider will give you tips to help you heal.