What is PLDD? Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD) is the most minimally invasive percutaneous laser technique for the
treatment of disc herniation, cervical herniation, dorsal herniation (except segments T1-T5), and lumbar disc herniation. The procedure uses laser energy to absorb water within the nucleus of the herniated disc, thereby creating decompression.
PLDD treatment is performed only on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia. During the procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the herniated disc under x-ray or CT guidance. An optical fiber is inserted through the needle and laser energy is sent through the fiber, vaporizing a small portion of the disc nucleus. This creates a partial vacuum that moves the herniation away from the nerve root, thereby relieving pain. The results are usually immediate.
During percutaneous laser disc decompression, laser energy is delivered into the disc via a thin optical fiber. The goal of PLDD is to vaporize a small portion of the inner core. Ablation of a relatively small inner core results in an important reduction in intradiscal pressure, which in turn results in a reduction in disc herniation.
Advantages:
1. Local treatment, not general anesthesia.
2. Safe and fast surgical technique, no cutting, no scars, because only a small amount of disc is vaporized, no subsequent spinal instability. Unlike open lumbar disc surgery, there is no damage to the back muscles, no bone removal or large skin incisions.
3. Suitable for patients with higher risks of open discectomy, such as diabetes, heart disease, liver and kidney dysfunction, etc.