WHAT IS NUCLEOPLASTY?
Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive technique recently developed to treat leg o/r low back pain associated with contained herniated disc(s). Under fluoroscopic guidance, a small introducer needle is placed into the center of the target disc to act as a portal for a wand-like coblation device. The device uses radiofrequency energy to both vaporize and remove disc material and seal the channel created by each pass of the wand. Like removing fluid from a pressurized balloon, these channels decompress the disc and allow for a retraction of any disc protrusion or herniation that may be irritating nearby nerve roots.

DOES THE PROCEDURE HURT?
You may feel a sense of pressure, or mild discomfort when the needle is inserted into the disc. The coblation is relatively painless otherwise. Your physician will closely monitor your comfort level during the entire procedure and provide medication as needed.

HOW MANY DISCS ARE TREATED?
It is based on your MRI. But generally 1-2 discs are treated in one sitting.

WILL I KNOW RIGHT AWAY IF THE PROCEDURE WORKED?
Most patients experience improvement in leg symptoms faster than back symptoms. It may take several weeks before the final results are known.

CAN I EAT ON THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE?
No, you should not eat the day of your procedure. Small amounts of clear liquids are permitted. You should also arrange to have someone drive you home.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Nucleoplasty takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the amount of disc material that needs to be removed.

DO I NEED TO BE PUT ASLEEP FOR THE PROCEDURE?
No. This procedure is done under local anesthesia because you need to be awake enough to tell the doctor what you are feeling. Most patients receive a mild sedative to help them relax and some pain medicine if necessary during the procedure.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
We advise patients to take it easy the day of the procedure. You may need to apply ice to the affected area for 20-30 minutes at a time for the next 48 hours. Your doctor will provide specific activity restrictions if indicated. Typically lengthy driving, lifting, bending/twisting at the waist are restricted in the first few weeks. Formal physical therapy may begin at 2-4 weeks post-procedure.

ARE THERE ANY POTENTIAL RISKS TO THE PROCEDURE?
Generally speaking, this procedure is safe, however with any procedure there are associated risks, side effects, and complications. The most common side effect is temporary discomfort following the procedure. Other risks include damaging local nerves, infection, bleeding, and worsening of symptoms. Fortunately, because the procedure is performed with x-ray guidance in a controlled environment, serious side effects and complications are rare.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON NUCLEOPLASTY?
www.nucleoplasty.org is a good source of information on this procedure.