Daniel R. Theesfeld, M.D., was the first physician in the United States to perform an innovative new medical procedure for the treatment of contained herniated discs in an office setting. LASE Endoscopic Discectomy bridges the gap between conservative therapy and surgery for those who suffer from a contained herniated disc. A contained herniated disc is one in which the nucleus of the disc pushes against the annulus, or the outside portion of the disc, causing it to bulge and press against the nerve. These patients often suffer from excruciating back and leg pain, are frequently unable to work, and are unable to participate in their routine daily activities.
The LASE technique is designed to reduce the bulging nucleus enough to eliminate the pressure it is placing on the nerve. During the procedure, a small endoscope with a laser fiber is inserted into the disc. The incision through the skin is less than 1/4 inch. The LASE endoscope allows Dr. Theesfeld to see the bulging nucleus tissue and remove it with the laser fiber. By removing some of the nucleus from the disc, the pressure on the nerve root is reduced or eliminated along with the pain. Because LASE is a minimally-invasive procedure, it is often appropriate for many patients whose health may exclude them from more aggressive surgical intervention. “It is becoming increasingly difficult for any hospital to provide state-of-the-art technology in every medical subspecialty. I have invested in the most advanced x-ray equipment available so that I can meet the needs of those who suffer from this type of pain within my office setting. Since my staff and I deal exclusively with pain management, I feel we are better equipped to focus on the special needs these individuals have,” Dr. Theesfeld said. More than 5,000 LASE procedures have been performed worldwide. Multiple studies have indicated that four out of five properly selected patients benefit from this procedure. “The results I have seen with LASE have often been dramatic. I am seeing a 90 percent success rate in the resolution of buttock and leg pain within the first two weeks,” Dr. Theesfeld said. Most patients experience relief from pain with just a matter of days, and for some, a noticeable improvement is detected on the day of surgery. Click here to close window