Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression

This practical guide, beautifully illustrated with line drawings and images throughout, covers the basic science, laser physics, patient selection, diagnostic maneuvers and useful imaging methods of PLDD. In addition, step-by-step instructions are given on needle placement, how to enter difficult discs, and delivery of laser energy. Also included are chapters on possible complications and how to manage them, when to consider a repeat procedure, as well as long term rehabilitation.

This book provides easy-to-use guidelines and how-to-do instructions on the benefits and risks of laser application, decision-making and patient selection and especially on the clinical application of lasers. It thoroughly covers the areas of arthroscopic surgery, spine surgery and open surgery.

Percutaneous lumbar discectomy is a new surgical method for treating lumbar disc diseases. The goal of the procedure is decompression of the spinal nerve root by percutaneous removal of the nucleus pulposus under local anesthesia. Probably 20 % of all patients requiring lumbar disc surgery can be successfully treated by this method. During the past two years, percutaneous discectomy has spread rapidly, and it is now performed in most clinical departments engaged in spinal surgery. The first International Symposium on Percutaneous Lumbar Discectomy, held in Berlin in August 1988, covered all current procedures known as "percutaneous discectomy" and the entire range of percutaneous techniques, both clinical and experimental. Its publication is important because of the recency of this new surgical procedure, the outstanding experience of the speakers - including the Japanese, American, and European "pioneers" of the technique - and last but not least the gaps in the knowledge of physicians concerning this topic. This procedure opens up new perspectives in the surgical treatment of degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine.

This book is a state-of-the-art reference to using surgical lasers to treat animal patients. Encompassing theory and practice, it emphasizes procedures, techniques, and equipment, with specific recommendations for laser settings. While most of the procedures emphasize surgeries on dogs and cats, this practical guide also dedicates chapters to equine, small mammal, avian, aquatic animal, and reptile surgeries, making it an excellent clinical reference for any busy veterinarian. The book begins with background information on the theory and science of laser surgery, then details specific surgical procedures with step-by-step instructions and accompanying photographs. The next section provides practical guidance for incorporating lasers into the veterinary practice, and the final section offers a look at the future of lasers in veterinary medicine and surgery. A companion website features video clips of surgery procedures. Presents a state-of-the-art guide to using laser surgery in veterinary practice, from theory and procedures to techniques and equipment Focuses on dogs and cats, including specialties such as ophthalmic laser surgery, laser neurosurgery, and photodynamic therapy, with chapters on equine, small mammal, avian, aquatic animal, and reptile surgeries Draws on the experience of more than 20 experts in various areas Provides practical advice for incorporating laser surgery into the veterinary practice, with the heart of the book devoted to specific surgical procedures Includes specific recommendations for laser settings and techniques for the procedures discussed Offers video clips demonstrating surgical techniques on a companion website Laser Surgery in Veterinary Medicine is an essential resource for anyone using surgical lasers in veterinary medicine, including veterinary students, practitioners, and specialists.

This book describes and illustrates state-of-the-art techniques in laser spine surgery. Laser technology has revolutionized surgeries in many specialties to perform minimally invasive and cutting-edge procedures. Recent advances in spinal surgery have led to the increasingly widespread use of minimally invasive techniques based on endoscopy and microscopy. Nevertheless, the application of laser in the context of spinal surgery remains less well known, and the aim of this book is to present practical usage of laser in spine surgery to our readers. A wide variety of minimally invasive approaches to spine surgery using CO2, Ho: YAG, and Nd: YAG lasers are presented in detail, with a discussion of equipment and specific recommendations on laser settings. Care has been taken to ensure that the content is faithful to the fundamental principles of spine surgery and evidence-based medicine. The book will be an essential resource for all who use or are intending to use lasers in spine surgery.

This comprehensive review covers the full and latest array of interventional techniques for managing chronic pain. Chapters are grouped by specific treatment modalities that include spinal interventional techniques, nonspinal and peripheral nerve blocks, sympathetic interventional techniques, soft tissue and joint injections, and implantables. Practical step-by-step and evidence-based guidance is given to each approach in order to improve the clinician's understanding. Innovative and timely, Essentials of Interventional Techniques in Managing Chronic Pain is a critical resource for anesthesiologists, neurologists, and rehabilitation and pain physicians.