Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy

A percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (PED) is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove severely damaged intravertebral discs. Intravertebral discs are soft jelly-like cushions located between the bony vertebrae that make up the spine. When herniated, these discs can leak, placing pressure on the nerves that run through the spine. A surgeon will use endoscopic instruments to capture real-time images of the damaged disc, so that it can be shrunk using a laser and any remaining fragments removed to eliminate pain.

Conditions

• Herniated disc
• Bulging disc
• Torn disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica)
• Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve)

Treatment

• A small incision is made near the location of the damaged disc
• A real-time camera attached to a scope is inserted to provide images of the damaged disc
• These images are relayed to TV monitors in the operating room to assist the surgeon
• A laser is applied to the damaged disc to cause it to shrink back to its original form due to the heat of the beam
• Fragments of the damaged disc are removed through the small incision using suction