Percutaneous Decompression for Contained Disc Herniations

The SpineJet PercResector provides physicians with a percutaneous method for treating patients with contained disc herniations, thus avoiding the need for in-patient surgical intervention. The procedure is performed using a posterolateral approach through Kambin’s triangle, resulting in reduced trauma to muscles and ligaments.

The PercResector comes with a 4.0 mm cannulated access set to create a minimally invasive pathway to the disc space. The access set dilates the annular fibers, allowing them to shrink back into position after the procedure is completed, thus reducing the risk of reherniations.

This 30-minute procedure, performed in an outpatient setting using local anesthesia, allows patients with contained disc herniations to return home the same day without sutures.

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Features & Benefits

Simultaneously cuts and aspirates the nucleus, regardless of the patient’s age and disc hydration.

Simultaneously cuts and aspirates the nucleus, regardless of the patient’s age and disc hydration.

Cannula access set provides smooth entry into the disc space, dilating, rather than cutting, annular fibers.

Cannula access set provides smooth entry into the disc space, dilating, rather than cutting, annular fibers.

Nonthermal fluid-based cutting action eliminates the risk of thermal tissue damage.

Nonthermal fluid-based cutting action eliminates the risk of thermal tissue damage.

Round atraumatic tip reduces the risk of annular puncture and endplate damage.

Round atraumatic tip reduces the risk of annular puncture and endplate damage.

Removes a precise, predictable amount of nucleus to decompress the nerve root.

Removes a precise, predictable amount of nucleus to decompress the nerve root.

Performed in an outpatient setting in under 30 minutes, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Performed in an outpatient setting in under 30 minutes, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Testimonials

Patients can walk out of our surgery center with significantly less pain

With HydroDiscectomy, patients can walk out of our surgery center after several hours feeling significantly reduced, or no, pain at all. Other procedures may require open surgery and thereby require hospital stays and rehabilitation.

Solomon Kamson, MD Spine Institute Northwest

Over 90% of patients have reported pain relief

Every patient treated to date with this technique has reported 90% to 100% pain relief within 48 hours of the procedure. I would strongly encourage other physicians to consider using this technology. It’s the most effective and aggressive technique for percutaneous discectomy that’s available.

David P. Gannon, MD Cape Cod Pain Management

Patient can return to work much sooner than with traditional surgery

Patients recover very quickly from the HydroDiscectomy procedure and can return to work much sooner than with traditional surgery.

Stanton Schiffer, MD Western Neurosurgical Clinic

HydroDiscectomy allows my patients to return home the same day, with no more than a Band­Aid®

HydroDiscectomy is a minimally invasive procedure for herniated discs performed under local anesthesia and on an outpatient basis that allows my patients to return home the same day with no more than a Band­Aid® on their back.

Stanton Schiffer, MD Western Neurosurgical Clinic

Percutaneous HydroDiscectomy offers a very good new way of treating pain

Percutaneous HydroDiscectomy offers a very good new way of treating pain without having to go to open laminectomy and discectomy. It’s great to see patients return to normal levels of activity (following the procedure) and play with their kids, walk their dog, golf, and do the things they like.

Ashraf Farrid, MD Emerson Hospital

Patient FAQ's

  • If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc in the lumbar region of your spine (L1 through L5) that is causing nerve root compression.
  • If your disc is bulging, but the material inside the disc (nucleus) has not ruptured into the spinal canal.
  • If your pain has not improved after four or more weeks of nonsurgical treatment (physical therapy, pain medication, and/or epidural steroid injections).
  • If you have signs of nerve damage in your leg (severe weakness, loss of coordination, or loss of feeling).
  • If your symptoms are getting worse.
  • If you do not have other spine conditions, such as narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) or spinal instability, that may be the primary source of your pain.
  • If you wish to avoid surgery unless your physician tells you that it is your best option.

Neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and pain management specialists trained in discectomy techniques can perform HydroDiscectomy. This procedure is typically performed in an outpatient surgery center or in a pain management center.

Your physician may perform x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT scan) to determine the location and severity of your herniated disc.

  • HydroDiscectomy is performed using a fluoroscope, which is a machine that projects live x-ray pictures onto a monitor. This allows the physician to place the SpineJet device within the spinal disc without making a large incision.
  • The procedure is typically performed using a local anesthesia, so you may remain awake.
  • The physician will insert the SpineJet device by dilating a tiny hole in the disc wall. Once the device is in place, the water-jet action works to quickly remove the herniated disc tissue.
  • The entire procedure takes only 20 to 30 minutes.

  • In most cases, you will be able to go home the same day as your procedure.
  • Plan on bed rest with gentle stretching for several days.
  • You may need over-the-counter or prescription pain medication for several days.
  • You may be able to return to work in about one week (consult with your physician because recovery times vary depending on your condition, occupation, etc.).
  • You should avoid long periods of sitting, as well as bending, twisting, and lifting, for several weeks.
  • You may be able to start a stretching or physical exercise program after about a week.
  • Everyone recovers at different rates. Your physician will provide an after-care plan that is best suited for you.

The physician will use local anesthetic to numb the area to be treated. You should experience minimal discomfort. Should it be required, your physician may administer additional numbing medication or light sedation.

Insurance coverage for HydroDiscectomy varies widely by insurer and plan. Your physician’s office will check your benefits to determine your out-of-pocket cost. Third-party finance options may also be available to you through your physician’s office.