Περιγραφή
Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression ( PLDD ) or “Percutaneous Laser Assisted Dissectomy” is the minimally invasive surgical technique for treating cervical, dorsal (except for the T1-T5 segment) and lumbar disc hernias.
PLDD is performed under local anaesthesia. The nucleus pulposus of the affected intervertebral space is targeted by the laser beam which is carried by a 300 micron optical fiber inserted into a thin 18-20 gauge needle that is correctly positioned at the desired site under scopic control.
From a clinical point of view, the denaturation and subsequent partial vaporization of the nucleus pulposus causes the affected nerve to decompress. The objective of the PLDD procedure is to reduce the hypertension exerted by the “herniated disk” on the nerve root, which also limits possible recurrences resulting from only thermoablation.