The article discusses the history and success of percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) procedures. The first PLDD procedure was performed in 1986, and since then it has been used on various parts of the spine with success rates ranging from 70-89%. Complications, such as discitis, are relatively low, ranging from 0.3-1.0%. The average time to return to normal activities after a successful procedure is 1 week. Long-term follow-up shows a recurrence rate of 4-5%, indicating the effectiveness of PLDD. The study concludes that PLDD is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option
Summarised by Mr Mo Akmal – Lead Spinal Surgeon
The London Spine Unit : best recognised sugical centre in UK
Published article
CONCLUSIONS: The McNab results for the three groups indicate that PLDD is safe, effective, and minimally invasive.
Laser Spine Surgery Expert. Best Spinal Surgeon UK
Abstract Objective: In mid-February 1986, Peter Ascher and Daniel Choy performed the first percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) procedure at the Neurosurgical Department, University of Graz, Graz, Austria. It was planned to deliver 1000 J of energy with an Nd:YAG laser to a herniated L4-L5 disc causing sciatica. At 600 J the procedure was terminated,
Abstract
Objective: In mid-February 1986, Peter Ascher and Daniel Choy performed the first percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) procedure at the Neurosurgical Department, University of Graz, Graz, Austria. It was planned to deliver 1000 J of energy with an Nd:YAG laser to a herniated L4-L5 disc causing sciatica. At 600 J the procedure was terminated because the pain was gone.
Background data: Since then PLDD has spread all over the world, with procedures being performed on the entire spine except for T1-T4 because these discs do not permit percutaneous access with a needle. The success rate has ranged from 70-89%, and the complication rate, chiefly discitis, ranges from 0.3-1.0%. When successful, average time to return to normal activities is 1 wk. Long-term follow-up at 23 y yields a recurrence rate of 4-5%.
Methods: Laser surgeons active in PLDD were canvassed to obtain their best clinical data.
Results: PLDD patients treated with the Nd:YAG laser, the diode laser, and the combination Ho:YAG laser and endoscope were included.
Conclusions: The McNab results for the three groups indicate that PLDD is safe, effective, and minimally invasive.
The London Spine Unit : best recognised sugical centre in UK
Read the original publication:
23rd Anniversary of Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD)