Journal of clinical laser medicine & surgery
-
J Clin Laser Med Surg · Jun 2003
Image-guided percutaneous laser disk decompression for herniated lumbar disks: a 4-year follow-up in 200 patients.
The purpose of this study was to describe the long-term effect of image-guided percutaneous laser disk decompression (PLDD). ⋯ From our clinical results, we conclude that image-guided PLDD is an effective and secure method to treat contained herniated lumbar disks. Advantages of the procedure include the minimally invasive approach on an out-patient basis and the low complication rate.
-
J Clin Laser Med Surg · Apr 2003
Nonendoscopic Nd-YAG 1064 nm PLDN in the treatment of thoracic discogenic pain syndromes.
The purpose of the present study was to discover new minimal invasive treatments of discogenic thoracic pain caused by protrusions or extrusions using the promising method of nonendoscopic Nd-YAG 1064 nm PLDN in the lumbar and cervical regions. Because early symptoms of chronic thoracic discogenic pain syndromes have not been characterized, interventional therapy is usually started late and involves a high complication rate. ⋯ Pain relief and decompression of spinal structures is effective and immediate by disc vaporization, shrinkage, nociceptor destruction and discogenic kinius denaturation. Nonendoscopic percutaneous Nd-YAG 1064 nm PLDN is a highly effective method for the treatment of thoracic disc disorders with minimally invasive access and is recommended prior to any open surgery.
-
J Clin Laser Med Surg · Aug 2002
Comparative StudyApplication of holmium:YAG laser in epiduroscopy: extended practicabilities in the treatment of chronic back pain syndrome.
Minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques offer advantages in the treatment of chronic back pain syndrome and may provide for expanded indications and visualization. Epiduroscopy for the visualization of the epidural space still is burdened with technical problems. The mechanical instruments now available, coupled with the narrow working canal, result in marked limitations. The aim of this study was to assess the possibilities and technical requisites for the use of the holmium:YAG laser in lumbar epiduroscopy. ⋯ The results show that the holmium:YAG laser considerably expands therapeutic possibilities and aids in solving the technical problems of epiduroscopy. No negative effects occurred when the laser is used.
-
J Clin Laser Med Surg · Aug 2002
Interstitial laser hyperthermia for colorectal liver metastases: the effect of thermal sensitization and the use of a cylindrical diffuser tip on tumor necrosis.
Our aim in this study was to investigate the characteristics of a diffuser-tipped optical fiber in producing tumor necrosis, compared to a standard bare-tipped fiber. The potential synergistic effect between thermal sensitization by metronidazole and interstitial laser hyperthermia (ILH)-induced tumor necrosis is also evaluated. ⋯ Diffuser-tipped optical fiber appears to significantly increase the diameter of ILH-induced tumor necrosis compared to the bare fiber. In contrast to the bare fiber, it enables the application of laser energy using higher power settings without compromising the diameter of tumor necrosis achieved. In animals treated with metronidazole, a trend towards increased tumor destruction at the tumor-host interface was seen on histolopathology. In addition, a trend towards increased diameter of tumor necrosis was also seen; however, statistical significance was not achieved.