Percutaneous Diskectomies is a medical term referring to a minimally invasive procedure for treating herniated discs in the spine. The word is spelled according to the International Phonetic Alphabet as /pərˈkjuː.ten.səs dɪsˈkɛk.tə.miːz/. The "percutaneous" part of the term is pronounced with stress on the third syllable, while "diskectomies" is pronounced with stress on the second syllable. The spelling of the word may be difficult to decipher for those unfamiliar with medical terminology, but the IPA provides a clear and precise guide for proper pronunciation.
Percutaneous discectomies refer to minimally invasive surgical procedures performed to treat herniated or bulging spinal discs. This technique involves the removal or decompression of the affected disc material through a small incision, usually less than 1 centimeter, made in the skin.
During a percutaneous discectomy, the surgeon accesses the damaged disc using specialized instruments that are guided by fluoroscopy or other imaging techniques. The surgeon may use a variety of approaches, including the use of a needle, catheter, or endoscope, to reach the targeted disc space. Once the instrument is properly positioned, the surgeon either removes a portion of the herniated disc or dislodges and shrinks the bulging disc material. This is often done by mechanical techniques, heat or laser energy, or by using suction.
Percutaneous discectomies are generally performed under local anesthesia, and the incision is typically closed with a single stitch or adhesive strips. This minimally invasive approach offers several advantages over traditional open surgical procedures, such as smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times.
These procedures are commonly performed in patients with specific types of disc herniation or bulges, and who have not responded well to conservative treatment methods. Percutaneous discectomies alleviate pressure on the spinal nerves, relieve pain, and improve mobility in affected individuals. However, it is important to note that the suitability of this procedure may vary depending on the specific case, and it is best determined through a comprehensive evaluation and consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
The word "percutaneous" originates from the Latin word "percussus", which means "struck through". It is a combination of the prefix "per", meaning "through", and "cussus", meaning "struck". In medical terminology, "percutaneous" refers to a procedure performed through the skin, as opposed to an open surgical procedure.
The term "diskectomy" is derived from the Latin word "discus", which means "a disk" or "round object", and the Greek word "ektomḗ", which means "excision" or "removal". In medical terminology, "diskectomy" refers to the surgical removal of a herniated or damaged intervertebral disk.
Therefore, "percutaneous diskectomy" refers to a minimally invasive procedure aimed at removing a herniated or damaged intervertebral disk, which is performed through the skin, typically using specialized surgical instruments.