What is Laser Spine Surgery?
Laser spine surgery uses focused laser energy to ablate (vaporise) disc material and reduce disc pressure — relieving nerve compression. The most established technique is Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD), where a thin needle is inserted into the disc under X-ray guidance and laser energy is delivered to reduce intradiscal pressure. More commonly, laser is used as an adjunct tool during endoscopic discectomy to coagulate and ablate tissue with precision.
It is important to understand that "laser spine surgery" is not a single procedure — laser is one of several tools used during minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures. At our centre, laser is used selectively when it provides a clear advantage for specific pathologies.
When is Laser Used?
- PLDD — Percutaneous laser disc decompression for contained disc bulge (disc not ruptured); good for cervical and lumbar
- Laser-assisted endoscopic discectomy — Laser used for haemostasis and annulus ablation during endoscopic disc surgery
- Laser foraminoplasty — Enlarging the foramen (nerve exit) with laser to relieve nerve root compression
- Thermal annuloplasty — Treating painful annular tears with laser energy
Benefits
Is Laser Surgery Right for You?
PLDD is most effective for contained disc bulges causing radicular (nerve root) pain that has not responded to 6–12 weeks of conservative treatment. It is NOT appropriate for:
- Extruded or sequestered (migrated) disc fragments
- Significant neurological deficit (weakness, incontinence)
- Severe spinal stenosis requiring decompression
- Instability requiring fusion
Dr. Chugh will review your MRI to determine whether laser is the right tool for your specific condition, or whether endoscopic / microdiscectomy would give better results.