Nucleoplasty (non-surgical lumbar and neck hernia treatment)

Non-surgical treatment methods have been applied for years for hernias that cause low back and leg pain. Nucleoplasty is also a method that is performed using RF (radiofrequency) technology and has low risks and side effects.

Which patients benefit from this method?
He often complains of low back, hip and leg pain; Patients who have not achieved results from treatments such as drug therapy and physical therapy and who have not yet reached the stage of open surgery benefit from this method.
This method is not applied in lumbar hernias that have burst and penetrated into the spinal canal.

How to Apply?
While the patient is awake and lying down, the patient is locally anesthetized, and a needle is inserted from the lumbar region, under X-ray control, between the vertebrae where the diseased disc is located. By giving radiofrequency energy, the tissues forming the patient’s hernia are vaporized and contracted. Thus, since the tissues forming the hernia shrink and shrink; The pressure on the sciatic nerve root going to the leg is removed and the pain in the waist, hip or leg is also eliminated.

How long does it take?
Nucleoplasty application takes about 30 minutes, but it can take up to 1-2 hours in case of patient preparation and multiple herniation.

What is the difference from laser application?
With the technique applied in the treatment of herniated disc with laser, the temperature is up to 300 – 600 degrees in the application area, but the temperature is maximum 70 degrees in the applied area in Nucleoplasty. For this reason, it is not possible for high heat to damage the surrounding tissues (such as spinal cord or nerve roots, vascular structures) as in laser applications.

Are there any side effects or risks?
Since the application is done in a sterile environment, the risk of infection is very low. Since it is done under X-ray control, the occurrence of undesirable situations is prevented. Generally, patients may feel slight pain and tension in the area where the cannula enters after the application.

What is Required?
1. Lumbar MRI examination
2. 2-way direct X-ray of the lumbar region
3. Examination findings of the patient
4. Necessary laboratory tests

Hospitalization of the patient who will undergo nucleoplasty It is not a question, the application is carried out in a surgical center or hospital and the patient can return home on the same day.