Lumbar Endoscopic Discectomy (LED)

LED is an outpatient surgical procedure to remove herniated disc material. With the help of x-ray guidance and a video endoscope, a 3mm probe is inserted through the skin into the herniated portion of the disk. The herniated nucleus is then removed with a unique hydrodiscectomy tool, suction and disc grasping instruments, thereby relieving the pressure on the nerve root. Only the herniated portion of the nucleus is removed (approximately 10 – 15 %), leaving the rest of the disc intact. The hydrodiscectomy equipment provides a very powerful suction which draws the disc material in to the tip of the probe. The disc material is then pulverized by a powerful jet of salt water which allows it to be suctioned away. The disc protrusion is decompressed in a matter of minutes. The puncture in the skin is very small (4 mm) in comparison to larger incisions required for open surgery.