What is minimally invasive microdiscectomy?
A herniated or bulging disc can place painful pressure on a spinal nerve, causing sciatica, leg pain, neck pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Traditional microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure requiring an incision and surgical access to the spine in order to remove the disc material compressing the nerve.
Dr. Shamloo’s approach is different. The procedure is performed percutaneously — access to the affected disc is obtained through a specialized needle rather than a traditional surgical incision. Using image guidance, he positions the device within the disc, and radiofrequency energy ablates a controlled amount of disc material to create a small pocket.
As pressure within the disc decreases, the protruding portion may retract toward the newly created space, helping to reduce pressure on the nearby spinal nerve. The goal is to decompress the affected nerve while minimizing disruption to the surrounding muscles, bone, and other tissues.
This type of percutaneous radiofrequency disc decompression is also commonly referred to as nucleoplasty or percutaneous disc decompression. Published medical literature describes radiofrequency techniques that create small channels or spaces within the disc to reduce intradiscal pressure.
No traditional surgical incision
One of the most important differences between this approach and traditional surgical microdiscectomy is how the disc is accessed. Rather than making an incision and surgically exposing the spine, the procedure uses a specialized needle-based system. This means:
For patients who are candidates, this can provide an alternative to a more invasive surgical approach.
How does the procedure work?
After reviewing your imaging and confirming that the affected disc corresponds with your symptoms, Dr. Shamloo uses imaging guidance to precisely access the disc. A specialized needle is advanced through the skin into the affected disc, and a radiofrequency device is introduced through the needle.
The radiofrequency energy creates a controlled pocket within the disc by treating a small amount of disc material. This reduces pressure within the disc and can allow the protruding portion to retract inward, reducing its impact on the adjacent nerve.
The objective is not to remove the entire disc. Instead, the procedure is designed to reduce the pressure responsible for your symptoms while preserving the surrounding spinal anatomy.
Cervical endoscopic decompression
A cervical disc herniation can irritate or compress a nerve root, producing symptoms that travel from the neck into the shoulder, arm, or hand. Symptoms may include:
For appropriately selected patients, cervical endoscopic decompression with radiofrequency technology may provide a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical treatment.
Lumbar endoscopic decompression
A lumbar disc herniation can compress a nerve root and cause sciatica or lumbar radiculopathy, with pain traveling from the lower back into the buttock, hip, leg, or foot. Symptoms may include:
For appropriately selected patients, lumbar endoscopic decompression with radiofrequency technology may provide an alternative to traditional surgical discectomy.
Outpatient procedure with minimal downtime
For most appropriately selected patients, the procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure under sedation. Because it is performed through a specialized needle rather than a traditional surgical incision, general anesthesia is typically not necessary. Patients generally:
Recovery is individualized. Dr. Shamloo provides specific instructions regarding activity, exercise, lifting, and other restrictions following the procedure.