Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) is a type of surgery in which a laser probe is inserted into the intervertebral disc space and laser energy applied for achieving decompression and neuromodulation thereby relieving the pain.

PLDD is a minimally invasive procedure that falls into the category of percutaneous intervertebral surgeries with the aim to significantly reduce the patient’s pain and recover neurological deficit. It is performed under local anesthesia.

By a specially designed laser, with a coefficient of absorbing energy adjusted for soft discus tissue, specific amount of heat is sent to achieve the evaporation of the water from the disc without additional thermal damage thus achieving decompression and creation of a stable intradiscal scar that will prevent herniation from reoccurring.

Alleviation of the symptoms (pain) is manifested instantly or in the next 2 til 10 weeks depending on the disc structure.
In this period the pain can disappear and reoccur, new and previous symptoms can manifest, which can all be treated by traditional pharmacological pain treatment. This is the main reason why it is crucial to schedule a follow-up exam after 2-3 months to analyze the result of the procedure.

The procedure is performed under x-ray guidance and requires very rigid safety measures because of the cumulative effect of the x-ray exposure on the operator whereas the patient is at no risk.
The surgery lasts between 30 and 45 minutes and the patient can be discharged after resting in our clinic for about 2 or 3 hours.

International and local statistic anticipates: 85% cases will be cured; in 4-5% of cases there is a possibility of herniation recurrence. In 0,1% of cases (1 in 1000) there is a possibility of infection (regardless of the antibiotic therapy administered for 2 days following the surgery). Therefore it is necessary to prescribe additional antibiotic therapy and bed rest for a few weeks.

In cases of recurring herniation following conventional surgery PLDD statistically gives less favorable results (about 70% compared to the usual 85%). This is due to the scarred tissue formed as a result of the traditional procedure and weakening of the spine.

In 15% of cases where there is no improvement in the condition of the patient it is possible to perform minimally invasive, endoscopic or METRX surgery. In 10% of cases it is not possible to insert the probe into the disc but this can only be determined during the surgery.

After the surgery the patient must rest between 15 and 30 days and progressively return to his everyday activities. The patient must also wear a lumbar belt for the period of 15 up to 30 days and has to obey his doctor’s recommendations.

PLDD surgery does not guarantee that the state of the disc hernia after the surgery will not worsen with time (weeks or years). This is mostly caused by the activities of the patient in the postoperative period and not by the outcome of the procedure itself.

Unlike traditional surgery, PLDD is a painless procedure where there is no great operative scaring, it is performed under local anesthesia, and there is no loss of blood during surgery and no damage to the muscles that are the main factors in stability of the spine.

In most cases after this procedure spa treatment is not necessary and patients soon return to their regular activities and their workplace.