Radiofrequency Ablation and Laser Disc Treatment in Kuala Lumpur

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also called radiofrequency denervation, is a minimally invasive treatment for selected chronic back pain. A specialised probe delivers controlled radiofrequency energy near selected nerves that transmit pain from structures around the spinal facet joints, reducing their ability to send pain signals.

RFA may be considered for selected people with chronic, localised back pain when the likely source is thought to come from structures supplied by the medial branch nerves, which carry pain signals from the facet joints. It is not a treatment for every cause of back pain.

A medial branch block is a diagnostic injection of local anaesthetic around selected medial branch nerves. The response helps determine whether these nerves are likely to be carrying the patient's back pain and whether radiofrequency denervation may be appropriate.

The duration of pain relief varies from person to person. Radiofrequency treatment affects the targeted nerve rather than permanently removing it, and the nerve can gradually recover over time. The response and duration of benefit should therefore be reviewed individually after treatment.

Local anaesthetic and appropriate comfort measures may be used during radiofrequency ablation. Some people experience pressure or discomfort during the procedure and temporary soreness afterwards. Because RFA is performed through a needle or probe, recovery is generally less extensive than recovery from open surgery, although individual recovery time varies.

Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) is a minimally invasive procedure for selected contained lumbar disc prolapse. A spinal needle is guided into the affected disc and a thin optical fibre delivers laser energy to vaporise a small amount of the nucleus pulposus, with the aim of reducing pressure within the disc.

PLDD may be considered for carefully selected patients whose symptoms and imaging show a contained lumbar disc prolapse. It is not suitable when disc material has fully extruded through the outer disc layer, and treatment selection also depends on symptoms, neurological findings and previous treatment.

A lumbar disc prolapse can irritate or compress a nearby nerve root and cause leg pain or numbness commonly described as sciatica. PLDD may be considered when the symptomatic disc prolapse is contained and the clinical and imaging findings indicate that disc decompression may be appropriate.

RFA and PLDD treat different potential sources of back pain. Radiofrequency ablation targets selected pain-transmitting nerves associated with facet-related back pain. PLDD acts inside a selected contained lumbar disc to reduce disc pressure. Assessment is needed to determine which, if either, matches the cause of a patient's symptoms.

The cost of radiofrequency ablation or PLDD in Kuala Lumpur varies according to the diagnosis, consultation and assessment, diagnostic procedures, imaging, treatment technique, hospital or facility charges and follow-up requirements. An individual estimate can be discussed after the condition and suitable treatment approach have been assessed.