Percutaneous navigable intradiscal decompression in treatment of lumbar disc herniation: a single-center experience

THE USE OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE IN PUNCTURE TECHNIQUES FOR DEGENERATIVE DISEASES OF THE LUMBAR SPINE

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the results of the use of dexmedetomidine (D) in the treatment of patients with degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine using puncture techniques. Methods The study included 77 patients who underwent surgical puncture for degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine with the use of alpha-2-adrenomimetic D: percutaneous laser denervation of the facet joints (n = 46) and posterolateral transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (n = 31). We assessed: the level of sedation using the Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) and the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS); intraoperative dynamics of the cardiovascular and respiratory system parameters; the level of pain syndrome according to VAS. Results A high intraoperative level of sedation was determined, with RASS -2, -3 and Ramsay III, IV; when transferring a patient to a department (in 90 minutes) this parameter was RASS 0 and Ramsay II. There were no significant changes in central hemodynamics and respiratory depression. The minimum level of pain was determined immediately after surgery, at 30 and 60 minutes after surgery, and before transfer to the department (90 minutes): 6 (4;9); 10 (8;12); 12 (9;13); 16 (13;19) respectively. The absence of the need for additional analgesia on the first postoperative day was verified. Conclusion The use of D significantly reduces the level of pain, while maintaining the necessary verbal contact with the patient, and provides the necessary neurovegetative protection without respiratory depression or lowered hemodynamic parameters during the perioperative period. Level of evidence II; Prognostic Studies - Investigating the Effect of a Patient Characteristic on Disease Outcome. Case series, retrospective study.

The Successful Treatment of Herniated Lumbar Discs That are Refractory to Repeated Epidural Steroid Injection by Using a Navigable Percutaneous Disc Decompression Device: A Case Series

PURPOSE

In most cases, lumbosacral radicular pain caused by herniated lumbar discs (HLDs) can be controlled with epidural steroid injections (ESIs). However, when the HLDs are large, the pain may not respond to ESIs. A navigable, percutaneous, disc decompression device has recently been developed to manage radicular pain that is secondary to HLD, which allows the wand tip to approach the herniated disc by rotating a control wheel. We performed a percutaneous disc decompression using the navigable percutaneous disc decompression device in two patients with a large HLD that did not respond to repeated ESIs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients A and B are presented with scores of 7 and 8 on the numeric rating scale (NRS), respectively. Both had lumbosacral radicular pain due to right central HLDs at L4-5 and L5-S1, despite repeated ESIs. Percutaneous disc decompression was performed under C-arm fluoroscopy. The wand was inserted through the introducer needle. Using the control wheel, we placed the needle tip on the posterolateral portion of the herniated disc. The radiofrequency current was applied to the herniated portion of the disc. The procedural time was 20-30 minutes.

RESULTS

Neither of the patients reported adverse post-procedural effects. At their 1-week follow-up, patient A and B's NRS pain scores had reduced to 2 and 1, respectively. At their 2-year follow-up, patient A had mild pain (NRS 1), and patient B reported no pain.

CONCLUSION

The navigable percutaneous disc decompression device may be effective for pain alleviation in patients with lumbosacral radicular pain that is refractory to repeated ESIs.