HEALTH & MEDICINE :: AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2007
Percutaneous Discectomy: An Alternative to Open Spine Surgery
Approximately 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed each year with sciatica arising from a contained herniated disc. Contained disc herniations occur when the center of the disc or nucleus comes into contact with a weakened area of the disc covering or anulus. If the anulus is weak enough, the nuclear material can cause it to buckle, creating pressure on the adjacent spinal nerve and thus generating pain to the lower back and leg. For patients who prefer to avoid a painful recovery associated with open spine surgery, percutaneous (through the skin) disc decompression provides an option whereby small amounts of the disc nucleus is removed through an epidural like needle to relieve disc herniation pressure on an irritated spinal nerve.
Of course in particular cases where the disc herniation is too large, open-spine procedures may be required. These include microdiscectomy surgery and sometimes fusion surgery. The Percutaneous Discectomy is intended as a more conservative approach for patients with mild-to-moderate cases of disc protrusions that occupy no more than 30% of the spinal canal. This procedure is for patients who want quicker and potentially more permanent relief. They are not a substitute, however, for the more stressful traditional open-spine procedures.
In appropriately selected patients, the success rate so far is comparable to that of major surgeries however without the recovery time, trauma, and time loss from work and procedural cost.
On April 5, 2007, I performed the first Percutaneous Discectomy in Dover Delaware. It was performed on Ted Willoughby, of Dover Delaware. On April 27, 2007 Ted said of his procedure, “I was a candidate for the Stryker spine procedure and after having this procedure, I am pain free. I am so grateful for Dr. Lieberman and his staff. I am now able to return to work full duty and pain free.”
Dr. Lieberman is Board Certified in Pain Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr Lieberman is a member of the AMA, North American Spine Society, International Spine Intervention Society, Delaware Medical Society, North American Cervicogenic headache Society, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
He serves as a faculty member for the International Spine Intervention Society & North American Spine Society teaching courses nationally to Surgeons & other Physicians.
Dr. Lieberman is an attending Physician for the Bay Health Medical Center, and serves on their trauma committee.
Please call the office at 302.674.8444 for more information, and to make an appointment. Dr. Lieberman is located at 1673 South State Street, Suite B Dover, DE 19901 (across from Moores lake in the Millstone office complex).
Testimonial:
“When I came to Dr. Ron Lieberman, I was in radical pain. I could not stand, sit, walk or rest without pain. My wife had to help me with my socks and shoes in the morning. I could not lift or play with my children without pain. I was grouchy, irritable and hurting all of the time. My life has improved drastically since my treatment began. I am pain free 90% of the time. I am happy, active and love living again. My situation is no longer hopeless but is now treatable and full of hope. My family and I are happy and active together!” ~Greg Akers ....patient
