LASE
What
is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc is a bulge in the spinal disc. The discs in your
spine act like shock absorbers between the vertebrae. A herniated/bulging
disc presses against the nerve causing pain.
Are
there different kinds of herniated discs?
Yes, there are various kinds. An important distinction is between"contained"
and "non-contained" herniations. Each disc is made up
of two different parts -- the center (nucleus) and the outside portion
(annulus). The annulus completely surrounds the nucleus to hold
and protect it.
a)
In a contained disc, the nucleus pushes against the annulus causing
it to bulge and press against the nerve. Studies have shown that
four out of five patients with contained herniated discs can benefit
from a LASE procedure.
b)
With a non-contained disc, the nucleus pushes
its way through the annulus and presses directly against the nerve.
An individual with a non-contained herniated disc is often not a
good candidate for the LASE procedure.
What
is the LASE procedure?
The LASE technique is designed to reduce the bulging nucleus enough
to eliminate the pressure it is placing on the nerve. A miniature
endoscope with a laser fiber is inserted into the disc. The incision
through the skin is less than 1/4 inch. The LASE endoscope allows
your doctor to see the bulging disc tissue and remove it with the
laser fiber. By removing some of the nucleus from the disc, the
pressure on the nerve is reduced or eliminated along with the pain.
Will
I benefit from LASE therapy?
Your doctor is the best person to answer that question. In many
cases, LASE therapy can return the quality of life you had prior
to the onset of the leg and low back pain.
Is
the LASE technique a new procedure?
Surgeons have been removing part of the nucleus since about 1936.
Endoscopes and lasers have been used for more than ten years. Joining
the laser fiber and endoscope into one device represents state-of-the-art
technology. More than 7,000 LASE procedures have been performed.
Multiple studies have shown that four out of five properly selected
patients with contained herniated discs benefit from this procedure.
Is
the LASE procedure risk-free?
Any surgical procedure has risks. The LASE procedure is no exception,
but with the proper technique, the risks are minimal because of
the less invasive approach.
Do
I need to stay in the hospital over night?
A LASE procedure is normally performed in an outpatient setting.
This means you will go home the same day. Your doctor will most
likely administer local anesthesia and you will be conscious during
the procedure.
If
I am awake during the LASE procedure, will I feel pain?
The potential for feeling discomfort during the procedure does exist.
Everyone's pain level is different, so it is impossible to predict
whether you will experience pain. You will be awake during the procedure,
however, so if you inform your doctor of any discomfort, the local
anesthetic can be adjusted appropriately.
Will
I have a scar?
A very small one. After the LASE procedure you will go home with
a Band-Aid™ over the incision. This is a clear advantage over
traditional surgery.
How
soon after the procedure can I expect relief from my pain?
The quality of life for most patients usually improves in just a
matter of days and, for some, a noticeable improvement is detected
on the day of surgery. Your doctor will prescribe additional therapy
as needed after your LASE procedure.
What
if I'm one of the few who doesn't benefit from LASE?
If you are the one in five patients who does not benefit from LASE
therapy, you have not eliminated any of your options. Your doctor
will still be able to offer the same therapeutic options you have
today.
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