Percutaneous Discectomy
Percutaneous discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the size of a herniated disc — relieving the pressure it places on nearby nerves — without open surgery, general anesthesia, or hospital admission.
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A spinal disc is a shock-absorbing cushion between vertebrae consisting of a tough outer ring (annulus fibrosus) and a soft inner gel (nucleus pulposus). When the outer ring tears, the inner material can bulge or extrude outward — a herniated disc — compressing adjacent nerve roots and causing pain, numbness, or weakness radiating into the arm or leg.
How Percutaneous Discectomy Works
Under fluoroscopic X-ray guidance, Dr. Rubin inserts a small needle or probe directly into the center of the herniated disc. Depending on the technique used, disc material is either aspirated (removed), heated (causing it to shrink), or decompressed mechanically. By reducing the volume of disc material, internal disc pressure drops — causing the herniation to retract away from the nerve.
The procedure is performed as an outpatient under local anesthesia with sedation. No incision larger than the needle is required.
Who Is a Candidate?
- Patients with contained disc herniation (the annulus is still partially intact) causing radicular pain
- Those who have not improved after 6–12 weeks of conservative treatment (rest, medications, physical therapy)
- Patients who want to avoid or delay open surgical discectomy
- Those with disc herniation confirmed on MRI corresponding to their symptoms
Recovery
Most patients go home the same day. Activity is limited for the first 1–2 weeks. Relief typically develops over 2–6 weeks as inflammation from the decompression resolves.
When Open Surgery May Still Be Needed
Percutaneous discectomy is most effective for contained disc herniations. Extruded or sequestered fragments (pieces of disc that have broken free) may require open surgical removal. Dr. Rubin will review your MRI to determine whether percutaneous discectomy is the right approach.
Schedule a Consultation
Call 516-492-3100 to discuss whether percutaneous discectomy is an option for your herniated disc pain.