Overview
This minimally invasive procedure is used to remove overgrown vertebral bone and soft tissue to relieve the compression of nerve roots in the lumbar spine. It is performed through a small incision on the back.
Preparation
Accessing the Vertebra
A series of dilators of increasing size are carefully guided through muscles and soft tissue. The surgeon then slides a tubular retractor over the dilators and removes them, creating a working channel that leaves the muscle tissue intact. This working channel allows the surgeon to access the target vertebra and painful nerve root while minimizing incisional pain and muscle scarring.
Decompression
The surgeon may use a microscope or endoscope to direct surgical instruments through the working channel. Excess bone or ligament tissue is carefully removed from the space around the nerve root, relieving pressure and pain.
