Yashoda Hospital physicians are continually seeking new methods to provide our patients with the most cutting-edge therapies. Our practice is committed to assisting people in achieving relief and reclaiming their quality of life. Sciatica, a painful ailment caused by an intervertebral disc herniation, is a prevalent cause of back discomfort. Sciatica is a discomfort that spreads down the route of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your hips and down each leg.
This type of discomfort often affects only one side of the body. Sciatica pain usually goes away in a few weeks, but for some people, it never goes away and can cause limb paralysis and bowel or bladder problems. Percutaneous laser disc decompression can relieve discomfort and get you back on track in these extreme situations.
Percutaneous laser disc decompression, or PLDD, is a non-surgical therapy for confined lumbar disc herniation. Because this treatment is performed percutaneously, or via the skin, the recovery period is significantly shorter than that of regular surgery. Generally, people can return to work within a few days after the operation.
Laser therapy for lumbar disc herniation has been used since the 1980s; thus, the track record of this approach is highly promising. The nucleus pulposus, the inner core of the spinal disc, is evaporated by PLDD. This extra fluid places pressure on the sciatic nerve, producing discomfort. By draining this fluid, the pressure on the sciatic nerve is relieved.
Fluoroscopy is used in this treatment to locate the herniated disc. Under local anaesthesia, a needle is inserted into the intervertebral disc. The laser fibre is sent through the needle to the afflicted disc, where it evaporates the surplus fluid. The patient is discharged, and is generally back on their feet within a few days.
PLDD is effective for more than just treating sciatica. This treatment can also be used to treat herniated discs, radiculopathy, and spinal stenosis. Except for T1-T4, it can be used to treat disc herniation in any vertebra. Treating disc herniations can help reduce radiculopathy, and radiating pain in the lower back.
Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the gaps in the spine, can put pressure on the nerves that run through it, resulting in bulging discs and lower back discomfort. Percutaneous laser disc decompression has been established in studies to be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for spinal stenosis.
Although an ideal patient has an untreated disc herniation with no disc fragments, PLDD has been used to treat herniations that have failed surgical treatment.
The majority of PLDD patients have:
For the proper patient, PLDD can be an effective surgery.
Other benefits include:
CT fluoroscopy includes the use of X-rays to create pictures that are then augmented with contrast dye. This enables physicians to accurately insert the needle used in PLDD.
This energy, in the form of heat, decreases the pressure within the disc. As a result, the projecting disc fragment is pulled back through the outer layer of the disc, reducing pressure on the nerve roots.
Request an appointment with Dr. Ravi Suman at Yashoda Hospital if you are contemplating laser spine surgery. We can help you decide whether PLDD is the correct surgery for you, create a treatment plan, and get you on the path to recovery.
Frameless Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Laser Disc Decompression
Radiofrequency Ablation for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Radiofrequency Ablation for Back Pain & Neck Pain
Minimal Invasive Spine Surgery
Spine Stabilization
Cranial Micro Neurosurgery
Cranio Spinal Trauma
Endoscopic Neurosurgery
Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment used to relieve back pain and sciatica caused by a herniated disc. In this procedure, laser energy is used to evaporate a small amount of fluid from the disc’s core. This reduces pressure inside the disc and relieves compression on nearby nerves. The procedure is performed through the skin under local anesthesia.
During PLDD, a thin needle is guided into the affected disc using imaging techniques like fluoroscopy. A laser fiber is then passed through the needle to deliver controlled heat. This heat shrinks the inner disc material (nucleus pulposus), which helps pull back the bulging portion of the disc and reduces pressure on the nerve. As a result, radiating leg pain gradually improves.
PLDD is best suited for patients with a contained disc herniation who have been experiencing symptoms like sciatica or radiculopathy for more than 3 months and have not responded to conservative treatments such as medications or physiotherapy. It is also a good option for those looking to avoid open spine surgery.
PLDD does not involve large incisions, stitches or general anesthesia. It offers a shorter recovery time, often just a few days instead of weeks and allows patients to return to their normal activities much sooner. It is also associated with a lower risk of complications and is an effective option for selected cases of disc herniation.
You may consider PLDD if your back pain or sciatica has not improved with medications, physiotherapy or injections. It is especially useful for persistent nerve-related pain caused by disc problems. However, in severe cases involving major nerve damage or loss of bladder or bowel control, more urgent or advanced treatment may be required.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia using imaging guidance. A needle is inserted into the affected disc and a laser fiber is used to remove excess fluid from the disc. The entire process usually takes a short time and patients are typically discharged the same day. No stitches are required.
In addition to sciatica, PLDD can be used to treat conditions like herniated discs, radiculopathy and certain cases of spinal stenosis. It works best for contained disc bulges that are causing nerve compression and radiating pain.
Recovery is usually quick. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days, although heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided initially. Mild soreness at the treatment site is normal but settles quickly. Follow-up care ensures long-term relief and proper healing.
Dr. Ravi Suman Reddy is a neurosurgeon and spine specialist who performs PLDD for conditions like disc herniation and sciatica. He carefully evaluates each patient to determine if they are a suitable candidate and provides personalized treatment plans for effective recovery.
