Intradiscal Electrothermal Disc Surgery

Intradiscal Electrothermal Disc Surgery, otherwise know as "IDET" is an out-patient surgical option for the degenerative disc or the small to moderate contained disc herniation, a disc that has not completely ruptured through the outer annulus. This procedure is considered an alternative to open lumbar laminectomy or to other procedures that are available to treat a herniated or degenerative disc, such as endoscopic disc surgery, chemonucleolysis, or percutaneous disc surgery.

The IDET procedure is performed in an out-patient surgical setting. An anesthesiologist administers a slight hypnotic or pain medication while the surgeon administers a local anesthesia (Marcaine/zylocaine) to the surgical site. The surgeon inserts a SpineCath needle into the disc space with use of C-Arm imaging techniques. After the needle has been inserted, a catheter is inserted through the needle and is guided into the disc space. Extreme precision is necessary for the accurate placement of the catheter so that optimal benefits are realized. Due to the close proximity of nerves and vascular structures to the disc space, caution must be exercised to avoid injury to these structures by the needle and catheter. Once the catheter is in the appropriate position, controlled thermal energy is applied slowly, until the desired contraction and thickening of the disc wall collagen occurs. During the heating, the patient is closely monitored by the physician to assure the procedure is being applied to the appropriate area. Once the procedure is complete, the catheter and needle are removed, and a bandage placed over the needle insertion site.

This is a technically difficult procedure and should only be performed by a physician who has expertise in the anatomy and physiology of the spine and who has been trained in the technique. The post- operative patient usually responds very quickly to this procedure, with occasional immediate relief from some of the symptoms. Healing and pain relief may take up to 12-16 weeks, depending on the severity of the pre-procedure symptoms. Most patients are able to return to work or close to normal activities within a week of the procedure, with some restrictions. Stanley C. Jones, M.D., has performed many IDET procedures to date with excellent postoperative outcomes and highly satisfied patients.

Please call us at (713) 773-2273 for more information.