The endoscopic rhizotomy procedure was invented and developed at DISC by Anthony Yeung, MD (retired). Dr. Yeung saw a need to improve upon a pain management procedure called radiofrequency ablation (RFA), performed without direct visualization under X-ray guidance.
An RFA only provides patients temporary pain relief for six to twelve months. Endoscopic rhizotomy surgery significantly improves low back pain relief lasting up to five years. For many patients, this procedure is an excellent alternative to a lumbar spinal fusion. If you want to talk to one of our professionals about if an Endoscopic Rhizotomy procedure is for you, contact us or make an appointment today!
The endoscopic rhizotomy is a highly targeted procedure for patients suffering from low back symptoms related to the facet joints.
An endoscopic rhizotomy is genuinely the least invasive outpatient surgery. Before the procedure, our anesthesiologist or trained nurse will place an intravenous (IV) catheter on your wrist and then take you to the operating room.
Once positioned on the table and comfortable, the anesthesiologist will administer conscious sedative medicine through your IV. Under X-ray, our surgeon will precisely target and mark your painful facet joints or transverse process. Then he injects a local anesthetic at the skin surgical site for your maximum comfort.
Our surgeon then precisely guides a spine needle and guidewire under fluoroscopic X-ray guidance to the transverse process where the medial branch nerve. Next, a small metal dilator and 7mm cannula are inserted through a ¼ inch “keyhole” incision. Finally, an endoscope attached to an HD camera is inserted into the cannula to visualize the medial branch nerves directly.
After an endoscopic rhizotomy, some patients may experience mild swelling, discomfort, and soreness around the skin incisions. These symptoms may linger for a few days up to a couple of weeks. Patients typically use over-the-counter pain relievers and an ice pack to provide relief.
Patients suffering from chronic low back pain related to the facet joints for more than six weeks should seek a second opinion before major spinal surgery.
Suppose you failed to get long-term relief from a pain management radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure. In that case, you might be a candidate for an endoscopic rhizotomy.
Some patients offered spinal fusion surgery for low back pain may benefit instead from an endoscopic rhizotomy as a less invasive alternative.
You may be a candidate for endoscopic rhizotomy if you:
If, after reading the above, you believe endoscopic rhizotomy may help you, feel free to contact us for an appointment. Out-of-state and interested in a second opinion? Please fill out our consult request form and a member of the DISC staff will reach out to you immediately.
No matter the painful spine condition, a second opinion consultation with one of our expert spine surgeons can help you find the right customized solution that gets you back to enjoying life.
Our spine health blog features up-to-date spine education and expert spine tips from our spine specialists here at DISC.
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