Nucleoplasty in Panama
This surgical technique is especially recommended for the treatment of symptomatic herniated discs that are still contained or do not have a great development. It should be noted that disc nucleoplasty does not apply in all cases of herniated discs, so there must be a prior evaluation of the affected disc to know whether or not the patient can opt for this method.
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What does Nucleoplasty consist of?
Disc nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the volume of the herniated disc to be reduced internally and nerve compression to be minimized. By decompressing the neural structure, the patient will begin to notice the progressive relief of pain and the disappearance of the rest of the symptoms (if any).
Nucleoplasty does not restore the integrity of the affected elements of the spine, so it is of great importance to compensate for the loss of the nucleus pulposus of the disc with exercises or muscle strengthening therapies in the months following the operation.
What are its benefits?
With disc nucleoplasty, patients with herniated discs can obtain multiple benefits, among which we can mention:
Effective pain relief thanks to nerve root decompression.
Recovery of lost sensation.
It is a procedure that does not require hospitalization.
The "relative rest" time does not exceed 7 days.
It does not leave a scar.
It has no contraindications or side effects.
Side effects of nucleoplasty
Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the removal of a small portion of the disc core. Although its side effects are generally mild and temporary, the patient may experience the following:
Initial pain at the end of the procedure.
Inflammation.
Bruises.
Discomfort in the treated area for a few days after the procedure.
Some people may notice a tingling or numbing sensation in the leg, but this often goes away after a few days.
Considerations prior to performing nucleoplasty
In a procedure such as nucleoplasty, a series of previous factors must be considered, among which are:
Medical Evaluation
A thorough medical evaluation is necessary to determine if the patient is a good candidate for the procedure, and if there are any risk factors, allergies, or commonly used medications that need to be addressed prior to the procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging
Imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, should be done to confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact location of the herniated disc.
Regular postoperative follow-up
It is common for regular follow-up after a nucleoplasty to check if the procedure was effective and detect possible complications in time. Follow-up may include visits to the doctor to evaluate the patient’s symptoms and perform follow-up imaging tests or neurological function studies.
The frequency of follow-up may vary depending on the individual case and the patient’s needs, but it will usually be done within several weeks to a few months after the procedure.
What is the Nucleoplasty procedure like?
Nucleoplasty is performed in the operating room under mild sedation and the exhaustive control of an X-ray machine to accurately locate the damaged disc. In lumbar nucleoplasty, the patient will be placed in the prone position (face down), while in cervical nucleoplasty the appropriate position is supine (face up), since the puncture is made from the front of the neck.
The approach to disc nucleoplasty is percutaneous, so a direct puncture is made into the damaged disc through a special needle. By the same route, small fragments of the disc are extracted and an electrode is inserted to administer specific doses of radiofrequency that will cause the internal degradation of the disc; That is why this procedure is also commonly referred to as radiofrequency nucleoplasty.
One of the great advantages of nucleoplasty is that being a direct needle puncture does not require any type of incision; For this and more, it is one of the safest, most reliable procedures and with the least chance of infection or other complications.
How to prepare for a Nucleoplasty?
In addition to the prior evaluation where the most relevant aspects of the intervention are exposed, the laboratory tests and the rest of the necessary preoperative studies, it is essential that the patient complies with the following:
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages and cigarettes at least 48 hours before the procedure.
Do not eat solid food or liquids about 9 hours before surgery.
Wear comfortable clothes and do not wear metal accessories to the operating room.
Potential Complications of Nucleoplasty
Among the possible complications that can occur after a nucleoplasty we can mention:
Infection at the incision site
This is one of the main risks of any surgical procedure.
Excessive bleeding
While nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, there may still be a risk of excessive bleeding during or after the procedure.
Nerve injuries
Depending on the doctor's experience, nerve damage may occur during the procedure, which could cause pain or weakness in the affected area.
Allergic reactions
In rare cases, the patient may have an allergic reaction to the materials used during the procedure, anesthesia, or medications given.
Lack of pain relief
Although nucleoplasty is effective for many patients, it might not eventually provide the expected improvement in the patient's symptoms.
Nucleoplasty Panama Price
To establish the price of a radiofrequency nucleoplasty, it is necessary to evaluate the case first-hand; in this way, we will be able to corroborate the state of the herniated disc, determine its location and specify an approach plan. Are you interested in obtaining a quote?
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I invite you to schedule a medical appointment with me; In this way, I will be able to carefully evaluate your condition and offer you the best treatment or surgery alternatives to eradicate back pain and recover your general well-being.
