Endoscopic Laser Facet Rhizotomy for Permanent Relief (With Video)

‍Laser Rhizotomy for permanent relief? Endoscopic Facet Rhizotomy is a procedure performed at Nucci Medical to deaden the affected nerves causing chronic back pain, following an injury that specifically targets the source of pain.

‍What is Endoscopic Laser Facet Rhizotomy? During this minimally-invasive procedure performed at our Citrus Park Surgery Center, the physician uses heat from lasers to treat painful facet joints in your lower back. This procedure is also called laser rhizotomy. It can treat pain that doesn't respond to medications or to physical therapy. Laser rhizotomy provides more long term and permanent relief of back pain.

‍What are some advantages to this procedure?

• Minimal blood loss
• Short recovery
• High success rate
• Minimally invasive
• Spine mobility is preserved
• Minimal scarring
• Procedure is outpatient

‍How is a laser rhizotomy done?

‍Preparation: In preparation for the procedure, you lie on your stomach. You are sedated by the anesthesia doctor. The skin and tissue of your back is numbed.

Inserting the Cannula: The physician inserts a tube called a "cannula." A video x-ray device called a "fluoroscope" helps guide the cannula to the medial branch nerves in your spine. These tiny nerves carry pain signals from your facet joints to your brain.

‍Treating the Nerves: The physician inserts an electrode through the cannula. A weak electric current is used to test its position. If the current recreates the pain but does not cause any other muscular effects, it is positioned correctly. Then the physician uses the electrode to heat the nerve using laser. This disrupts its ability to transmit pain signals. Several nerves may be treated if necessary.

‍End of Procedure: When the procedure is complete, the electrode and cannula are removed. A small bandage is placed on your skin. You will be monitored for a brief time before you are allowed to go home. Your injection site may feel sore after the procedure, and you may still have back pain. If the correct nerves were treated, you will gradually experience pain relief as you heal. This may take several weeks.