Nucleus pulposus removal and radiofrequency ablation for herniated discs are two surgical procedures that serve the same purpose of eliminating the herniated nucleus pulposus.
Nucleus pulposus removal for herniated discs involves removing the herniated nucleus pulposus that is pressing on the nerves and removing it, which can be done with either open surgery or minimally invasive surgery with a laminectomy.
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a radiofrequency knife to vaporize the protruding nucleus pulposus that is compressing the nerves, and the ablated nucleus pulposus residue will flow out with the water rinsing, so as to achieve the purpose of completely removing the nucleus pulposus.
Nucleus pulposus radiofrequency ablation can be performed either as a complementary procedure to herniated disc nucleus pulposus removal or as a stand-alone procedure.
If you are suffering from a related spinal condition, you should seek prompt medical attention, make a definitive diagnosis, and follow your doctor’s instructions.