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The PLDD Method (Laser)/ Treatment Overview

What the PLDD Method Is

Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression

The PLDD method is a treatment that lowers increased pressure in the intervertebral discs that is the cause of herniated discs. PLDD is a treatment with a long history that began in the 1980s, and in Japan, many patients have undergone this treatment. Still, because it targets only herniated discs, there is a chance that it will not be an appropriate treatment if the intervertebral discs are collapsed or worn down. At our clinic, even if there has been intervertebral disc damage, PODT (ozone) treatment or Discseel® Procedure treatment can be chosen, depending on the degree of the damage.

With the patient under local anesthesia, and while using an X-ray fluoroscope, we place a 0.8 mm (paracentesis) needle into the intervertebral disc and inject a therapeutic agent. For the protruding herniated disc, especially, the more the gel penetrates, the more effective it becomes.

Treatable Conditions

Treatable Conditions

  • Disc Herniation

Who can be a candidate for the treatment?

  • Those diagnosed with herniated discs.
  • Those suffering from chronic low back pain caused by herniated discs.
  • Those considering herniated disc surgery but who do not want to undergo it.
  • Those who have undergone herniated disc surgery but not improved (or whose condition has recurred).
  • Those afraid of herniated disc surgery.
  • Those who do not want to be hospitalized for herniated disc surgery.
  • Those hoping for treatment that doesn’t take such a toll on the body.

We can also treat elderly patients ( 80 years or above ).

The Benefits of PLDD Treatment

Almost No Scar Will Be Left

Almost No Scar Will Be Left

Since only a small needle is inserted without making an incision, almost no scar will be left.

Outpatient Treatment That Takes Less of a Toll

Outpatient Treatment That Takes Less of a Toll

Treatment takes about 15 minutes, and you will need to rest for about 30 minutes afterwards. You can go home in about 60 minutes.

No Need for Continued Hospital Visits or Rehabilitation

No Need for Continued Hospital Visits or Rehabilitation

Because no continued hospital visits or rehabilitation is necessary after treatment, it’s easy even for those who come from far away to return to their daily lives and work.

How Treatment Is Done and Treatable Conditions

Disc herniation causing inflammation of the compressed nerve.
Disc herniation causing inflammation of the compressed nerve.
A hollow is made in the nucleus pulposus inside the intervertebral disc by cauterizing it with a laser.
A hollow is made in the nucleus pulposus inside the intervertebral disc by cauterizing it with a laser.
The protruding intervertebral disc is caused to shrink, and pressure on the nerves is reduced.
The protruding intervertebral disc is caused to shrink, and pressure on the nerves is reduced.

Efficacy of the Method for Disc Herniation

The PLDD method is effective for herniated discs with especially high internal pressure that have not prolapsed from the ligaments and have mild to moderate herniation. In cases of prolapse or separation, PIDT or Discseel® Procedure will be an effective treatment method.

Disc Herniation

Flow of the PLDD method from examination to returning home

The PLDD treatment is performed on an outpatient basis, so patients can return home on the day of the operation.

  1. After taking an MRI and X-rays, the patient is examined and diagnosed.
  2. Local anesthesia is administered and the treatment is completed in about 15 minutes.
  3. After the treatment, the patient has to rest in the recovery room for about 1 to 2 hours.
  4. The patient is examined and given a post-treatment explanation by a physician before being discharged.
Flow of the PLDD method from examination to returning home

Treatment Time

Treatment
Time
approx. 15 minutes

You will need to rest for about 30 minutes after treatment, and you will need about 60 minutes until you can go home. Light activity can be done the following day, but you will need to postpone sports or heavy labor for around 7 days.

Post-Treatment Issues

About Post-Treatment Issues

The recurrence rate is said to be equally as high as with conventional surgery. That is because intervertebral disc damage cannot be improved as with Discseel® Procedure

About Side Effects

After being treated with the PLDD method, you may experience some unprecedented back pain, numbness, or muscle tension in your thighs. These symptoms are temporary and may subsist from one week to one month after surgery, depending on the symptoms and condition of the patient. Although the probability is much lower than with surgical procedures, there is a risk of infection or complications in the treated area. At our clinic, the doctor will explain the treatment in detail in order to reduce these risks as much as possible. Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have before treatment.

Physical Activity Guidelines After the Treatment

Since treatment is performed on an outpatient basis, patients can return to their daily life from the very next day after undergoing the procedure and are encouraged to walk and exercise as possible. However, it is advisable to temporarily refrain from the following exercises and daily activities.

Exercises and daily life activities
that can be done after the treatment
Period of restriction
Disposable body warmer Same day
Cycling 1 day
Sauna 3 days
Bathing 3 days
Pool Walking 3 days
Going to the gym 7 days
Massage 7 days
Nerve block procedure 7 days
Rehabilitation 7 days
Yoga 14 days
Chiropractic adjustment 14 days
Sportbike riding 14 days
Acupuncture 14 days
Golf 30 days

* We recommend that you wait for at least 30 days before taking a golf round.

Treatment Costs for the PLDD Treatment

Disc 1 disc 2 discs 3 discs 4 discs
Cost of Treatment 308,000(JPY) 363,000(JPY) 418,000(JPY) 473,000(JPY)

Notes

*Consultation, diagnosis, MRI and other tests are all included in the treatment costs listed above.
*If the same treatment is performed again within 3 years after the first treatment, fees will be reduced by half.
*Since the treatment is not covered by the Japanese health insurance, the patient must bear the entire cost of the treatment.
*We accept payments by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, China UnionPay) and cash in Japanese Yen (JPY).
*All taxes included.

The PLDD Method: FAQ

Treatment Overview

The Discseel

Discseel® Procedure

Discseel® Procedure was developed by an American surgeon by the name of Dr. Kevin Pauza, after caring for hundreds of patients who were made worse following their spine surgery. The treatment aims to seal tears in herniated vertebral discs and help them regenerate and recover their, allowing permanent relief of back pain. Dr. Pauza holds a series of 16 patents for a device and Discseel® biologic that support the treatment. Dr.Nonaka has been licensed to perform the Discseel® Procedure in 2018, and more than 2,880 patient have undergone the treatment in our clinic since then. At present, approximately 20 doctors, including physicians from Harvard and Boston Universities are using the Discseel® Procedure to treat their patients in the USA. Dr. Nonaka is the first physician trained to perform the Discseel® Procedure in Japan.

The Discseel® Procedure
  • The PIDT Method
    (Implant)

    Percutaneous Implant Disc
    Treatment
    The PIDT Method (Implant) - Percutaneous Implant Disc Treatment
  • The PLOT Method
    (Laser And Ozone)

    Percutaneous Laser and Ozone Treatment
    The PLOT Method (Laser And Ozone) - Percutaneous Laser and Ozone Treatment
  • The PODT Method
    (Ozone)

    Percutaneous Ozone Disc
    Treatment
    The PODT Method (Ozone) - Percutaneous Ozone Disc Treatment
  • The PLDD Method
    (Laser)

    Percutaneous Laser Disc
    Decompression
    The PLDD Method (Laser) - Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression

Targeted Conditions

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