Percutaneous plasma laser disc coagulation and navigable ablation decompression in the treatment of cervical disc herniation: A single center experience.

Abstract

Backgraund and aim: We aimed to compare the effectivity of PDCT (Percutaneous Disc Coagulation Therapy) and L-DISQ (navigable ablation decompression treatment) in patients who were diagnosed with cervical disc herniation. Methods: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Pain Index (NPI) were recorded initially and at the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th months after the procedures. Patient Satisfaction Scale (PSS) were recorded 12th months after the procedures. Results: Mean VAS scores were 7.55 and 3.1 points in PDCT group and 7.6 and 3.00 points in L-DISQ group mean NPI scores were 34.2 and 20.75 points in PDCT group and 34.1 and 20.4 points in L-DISQ group initially and at the 12th month. When compared between months, there was a significant decrease in time-dependent VAS and NPI scores in both PDCT and L-DISQ groups (p=0.001). Some complications include esophageal, vascular and neural injuries, hoarseness, Horner syndrome, infections, dural puncture and muscle spasm. The only difference between groups was the rate of cervical spasm within one month after the procedure; 75% in PDCT group and 15% in L-DISQ group. Conclusion: The diameter of the canal of cervical vertebrae is narrower than of the lumbar and thoracic regions, therefore the smaller part of disc may be sufficient to create clinical signs. The respond to decompression therapies are faster in case cervical percutaneous procedures are performed correctly. Proper patient selection and practitioner’s experience are important in treatment success. Key Words: Navigable ablation, intradiscal decompression, PDCT, cervical herniation