Radiofrequency nucleoplasty offers non-incisional treatment for disc herniation

Advances in medical technology are providing minimally invasive alternatives for patients suffering from lumbar and cervical disc herniation, reducing the need for traditional open surgery. Dr. Seyhan Orak, a neurosurgery specialist at Medicana International İzmir Hospital, highlights radiofrequency nucleoplasty as a key non-incisional method.

During the nucleoplasty procedure, a specialized probe is inserted into the disc to apply low-temperature radiofrequency energy. This process reduces the volume of the herniated disc and alleviates the pressure exerted on the nerves. The procedure requires only a few millimeters of entry, which helps preserve muscle and bone tissue.

The treatment typically lasts between 20 and 30 minutes and is often performed under local anesthesia or light sedation. Because the method avoids large incisions, patients experience less pain and a lower risk of infection, allowing many to return to work or daily activities within a few days.