Percutaneous nucleotomy and percutaneous laser disc decompression. Systematic Review.

Both minimally invasive surgical procedures are used for the treatment of backpain – additionally to, or even instead of open-intervertebral disc surgery. Percutaneous nucleotomy involves puncturing the intervertebral disc and inserting a canula through which the nucleus and anulus tissue is cut and removed, using either alligator forceps or cutter blades. Percutaneous laser disk decompression, by contrast, uses electromagnetic laser energy in order to decrease the intra-discal pressure. Conclusion: Presently both procedures are not more effective than standard interventions, such as open discectomy, microdiscectomy or chemonucleolysis.