Nucleoplasty

What is Nucleoplasty?

Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive spine procedure developed to treat patients with contained disc herniations or bulging discs causing low back and leg pain. The procedure is said to be minimally invasive because it is done through a needle without making a surgical incision.

A contained disc herniation or disc buldge occurs when the wall of the disc (annulus) weakens but does not break open; it still holds the nucleus pulposus. In other words, the gel in the center of the disc is "contained" within the wall of the disc.

Nucleoplasty involves passing a specialized type of wand through an introducer needle placed in the center of the disc. When the proper position is confirmed by x-ray techniques, the wand is used to perform two separate tasks. First, it creates a channel, removing tissue and then it heats and shrinks the tissue through coagulation. This decompresses the disc, reduces pressure within the disc and on nerve roots. The procedure generally takes less than an hour.

What happens during the procedure?

An IV is started to administer relaxation medication. You will be taken to a procedure room and positioned lying on your stomach. Your back is then scrubbed with a sterile soap and numbed with local anesthetic. Under fluoroscopic, x-ray, guidance, your physician will place an introducer needle into your disc. The wand is then inserted through the needle and into disc. Tissue will be removed by the wand as it is advanced into the disc. This creates a small channel. The wand is then slowly withdrawn to its original position while thermally sealing the new channel. Several channels are created, depending upon the size of the disc bulge/herniation and the amount of tissue to be removed. The needle and wand are then removed and a small bandage placed over the needle insertion site.

What happens after the procedure?

You will be taken to the recovery area and monitored until you are ready to go home. Discharge instructions will be given to you before leaving the surgical center. The recovery period after the procedure may last several weeks however you may be able to return to work in a sedentary job within a few days.

Due to the use of relaxation medications, you are required to have a driver to take you home.

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