Disc problems are among the most common health issues affecting the spine, causing severe pain that hinders daily life. With the advancement of medical technology, modern techniques have emerged to treat disc problems, one of the most prominent being laser treatment. Laser disc decompression is a non-surgical procedure using laser beams to reduce pressure on nerves and relieve pain quickly. This article provides a comprehensive overview of laser disc decompression, highlighting its benefits, methods, expected outcomes, and how this innovative technique can significantly affect patients suffering from disc problems.
How is laser disc decompression used to treat neck and back discs in Turkey?
There are several different types of disc surgery, including traditional surgery, microsurgery, and laser back surgery. Below, we will explore what distinguishes each technique.
Traditional disc surgery
During traditional back surgery, the surgeon makes a long incision in the back and moves muscles and other tissues aside to access the affected spine area. This process takes longer and may damage tissue.
Minimally invasive spine surgeries (MISS)
Endoscopic discectomy
MISS uses a smaller incision than traditional surgery. A unique tubular retractor tool creates a small tunnel to the surgical site. Various specialized instruments can be placed in this tunnel during surgery.
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Since it is less invasive, MISS can result in less pain and faster recovery.
Microdiscectomy
A very small incision is made, and the surgeon performs the operation through this incision using a surgical microscope and very precise instruments.
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Laser disc decompression (Laser herniated disc treatment)
During non-surgical laser back disc treatment, laser beams remove parts of the disc around the spinal cord and back nerves. This is done through a needle guided by interventional radiology.
Unlike other types of back surgeries, it may only be suitable for particular cases, such as when disc pressure on the nerve is causing pain.
Laser back surgery and MISS are often confused, which is compounded by the fact that MISS may sometimes use lasers but not always.
Laser disc decompression is relatively rare, and few clinical studies show its benefits compared to other methods.
What can you expect from laser disc decompression in Turkey/Istanbul?
Compressing a nerve due to cervical disc problems can cause pain, discomfort, and muscle issues.
Nerve pain related to the spine, such as herniated discs or bone spurs, is caused by pressure on the nerves. One example is sciatica, where the sciatic nerve is pinched, causing pain in the lower back and leg.
Laser disc decompression can help relieve pressure on the nerve and reduce pain. It is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the skin and muscles around the back to prevent pain. If necessary, general anesthesia may also be used for this procedure.
One of the most well-researched methods of laser back surgery is called percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD). This procedure uses a laser to remove disc tissue that may be causing pressure and nerve pain.
During PLDD surgery, a small probe containing a laser is inserted into the center of the affected disc (nucleus) using imaging technology. Then, laser energy is carefully used to remove tissue pressing on the nerve.
Benefits of percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD)
the benefits of laser disc decompression include being less invasive than traditional back surgery. In addition, it can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. In many ways, it is very similar to MISS.
There is limited information about the overall effectiveness of laser back disc treatment compared to other methods.
One 2017 study compared PLDD treatment with microdiscectomy, another surgical approach. The researchers found that both procedures had similar outcomes over a two-year recovery period.
Disadvantages of laser disc decompression
: Laser back surgery is not recommended for certain conditions, such as degenerative spine diseases. More complex cases may require a more traditional surgical approach.
One disadvantage of laser disc decompression is that you may need additional surgery for your condition. A 2015 study found that the likelihood of needing reoperation after microdiscectomy was lower compared to pldd.
Additionally, a 2017 meta-analysis of seven different lumbar disc surgeries found that percutaneous laser disc decompression ranked among the worst success rates and was mid-range in reoperation rates.
Side effects of laser disc decompression for nerve compression
Every procedure can have potential side effects or complications. This also applies to laser back surgery.
One of the main potential complications of laser disc decompression is damage to surrounding tissues. Since a laser is used in the procedure, thermal damage to surrounding nerves, bones, and cartilage can occur.
Another potential complication is infection. If proper sterilization procedures are not followed during probe insertion, infection can occur. In some cases, preventive antibiotics may be given to help prevent infection.
Recovery time after non-surgical herniated disc treatment in Turkey
Recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the specific procedure being performed.
Some people may be able to return to normal activities relatively quickly, while others may need more time, ranging from days to several weeks.
Major surgeries require longer hospital stays after the operation, and traditional surgery can take several weeks to recover. According to the John Hopkins Spine Center, people undergoing traditional spine surgery should expect to miss 8 to 12 weeks of work.
In contrast, minimally invasive surgeries (MISS) are often performed as outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day.
In general, people who have undergone MISS may return to work within approximately six weeks.
You may have read that laser disc decompression has a faster recovery time than other procedures. However, very little research compares recovery times for daily activities.
One key study showed that about 95% of cervical disc problems were successfully treated using laser therapy.
Ultimately, laser disc decompression is performed for mild to moderate cases and can be used as an experimental treatment for severe cases before major surgeries.
Cost of laser disc decompression in Turkey
The cost of laser disc decompression in Turkey varies depending on the degree and quality of the center and the number of affected vertebrae, but it generally starts at $2,500.
At Bimaristan Center, we guide you to the best hospitals and centers in Turkey to treat the pain associated with herniated discs.
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