Minimally Invasive Discectomy New Jersey

A Less Invasive Option for Herniated Discs That Haven’t Responded to Conservative Treatment

Most herniated discs improve without surgery. In many cases, rest, physical therapy, medications, and image guided injections provide enough relief to help patients avoid an operation altogether.

However, when a herniated disc continues to compress a nerve and symptoms persist despite appropriate conservative treatment, a minimally invasive discectomy may be the next step.

Unlike traditional open spine surgery, minimally invasive discectomy removes the portion of the herniated disc pressing on the nerve through a much smaller incision. The goal is to relieve pressure on the nerve while minimizing damage to surrounding muscles and tissues, allowing for a quicker recovery.

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Todd Koppel has helped patients throughout New Jersey determine when conservative care is appropriate and when a minimally invasive procedure may offer the best opportunity for lasting relief.

“I have seen hundreds of patients who came to me after months or years of back and leg pain, having been told by multiple doctors that surgery was inevitable. For the vast majority of them, it was not. But for those whose disc herniation has not responded adequately to injections, a minimally invasive disc procedure offers a genuine middle path, one that addresses the structural problem without the risks, recovery time, and disruption of traditional open surgery,” says Dr. Todd Koppel.

What Is a Minimally Invasive Discectomy?

A discectomy removes the portion of a herniated disc that is pressing against a spinal nerve.

Traditional surgery often requires a larger incision and greater disruption of muscles surrounding the spine.

A minimally invasive discectomy uses specialized instruments and advanced imaging to reach the damaged disc through a much smaller opening. Because less healthy tissue is disturbed, many patients experience less postoperative discomfort and a faster recovery.

Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Conditions Commonly Treated

A minimally invasive discectomy may be recommended for patients with:

• Lumbar herniated discs
• Cervical herniated discs
• Sciatica
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Pinched nerves
• Persistent arm pain
• Persistent leg pain
• Numbness or tingling caused by nerve compression
• Weakness resulting from a herniated disc

These procedures are generally considered only after conservative treatment has not provided sufficient relief.

Types of Minimally Invasive Discectomy

Percutaneous Disc Decompression

Using fluoroscopic guidance, a specialized instrument is inserted through a small needle to remove or reduce a portion of the disc. This lowers pressure within the disc and may reduce compression on the affected nerve. Best suited for contained herniations where the outer disc wall is intact. Takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

An endoscopic lumbar discectomy uses a tiny tube approximately 8 millimeters in diameter with a camera, allowing Dr. Koppel to directly visualize and remove the herniated disc fragment compressing the nerve. Appropriate for larger herniations or cases where the disc material has broken through the outer disc wall. The surgeon has a direct, magnified view throughout the entire procedure.

Am I a Candidate?

• Confirmed disc herniation causing significant leg or arm pain from nerve compression
• Conservative treatments, including physical therapy, have been tried
• One or more epidural steroid injections have provided insufficient or short-lived relief
• Imaging confirms the herniation correlates with the patient’s specific symptoms

Surgery is not recommended simply because a herniation is visible on MRI. The herniation must be causing the patient’s specific symptoms, and appropriate non-surgical treatments must have been given a reasonable trial first.

What to Expect

Before the Procedure

• Thorough review of imaging and prior treatment history
• Avoid eating for several hours before the procedure
• Arrange for someone to drive you home
• Blood thinners may need a temporary hold; Dr. Koppel’s office will advise

During the Procedure

Most minimally invasive discectomies are performed in an outpatient setting using local anesthesia with sedation.

Specialized imaging and instruments allow Dr. Koppel to access the affected disc through a very small incision while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues.

Most procedures take approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

After the Procedure

Most patients return home the same day.

Walking is usually encouraged shortly after surgery.

Many patients notice improvement in leg or arm pain within the first several days, although nerve recovery varies depending on the severity and duration of compression.

More strenuous activity is gradually resumed according to your recovery plan.

Why Choose Dr. Todd Koppel?

Choosing the right treatment begins with choosing the right diagnosis.

Dr. Todd Koppel has helped patients throughout New Jersey manage herniated discs using both conservative and minimally invasive treatment options.

Patients choose Dr. Koppel because he offers:

• Nearly 30 years of spine care experience
• Fellowship training at the Hospital for Special Surgery
• Expertise in both non surgical and minimally invasive spine procedures
• Personalized treatment plans based on your symptoms and imaging
• A conservative philosophy that prioritizes avoiding surgery whenever appropriate
• Advanced image guided techniques for greater precision

At Garden State Pain Management, surgery is considered only after less invasive treatments have been given an appropriate opportunity to work.