Discectomy and Neural Decompression (DND)

A decompressor discectomy probe is inserted into the damaged disc to remove disc material which may relieve painful pressure of the disc on surrounding nerves.

There should be little pain associated with the DND procedure, This advancement in technology only requires a small needle to be placed through the skin, similar to a single injection.

Depending on the number of disc levels and the parts of the spine being decompressed (the procedure can be performed on Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar discs during a single anesthetic event), the DND can take from 20 minutes for a single level up to an hour for a Cervical and Lumbar DND done together.

In many cases, the patient’s pain is eliminated. In most cases, the procedure followed by appropriate follow-up care can reduce the pain to tolerable levels.

Notify your physician of all of your current medications and daily dosage amounts including: blood thinners, (ex. Coumadin, Plavix, lovenox, etc.), vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Notify your physician of any of the following: medication or iodine allergies, current infections, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, or abnormal conditions that you are experiencing including colds or respiratory problems.

Do not take aspirin or ASA containing products (including Alka-Seltzer or Pepto-Bismol) for 5 days prior to your procedure.

Do not take herbal remedies including ginkgo biloba for 5 days prior to your procedure.

Do not take NSAIDS (such as ibuprofen) for 3 days prior to your procedure.

Do not eat or drink after midnight on the day prior to your procedure. You may take necessary medications with a sip of water.

Arrive at least 1 hour prior to your scheduled procedure time.

You will be admitted to an exam area and will be asked to change into a surgical gown. An I.V. will be started to administer conscious sedation medications. The procedure will be performed under fluoroscopy (live x-rays) to verify the positioning of the probes during the procedure. A portion of the disc material will be removed to reduce the pressure on the surrounding nerves.