Newhere, great questions!
If the discogram was positive, I would have had a MISS thoracic discectomy... something like PLDD (percutaneous laser disc decompression.) I had spoken to many leading thoracic spine surgeons about the options and this was considered to be low risk and potential success. Bigger VATS or XLIF procedures were to be avoided if possible.
Dr. Reul had called it and told me it would be negative. If my disco was positive, I would have had PLDD done in same session. The needle is alreay in the disc and becomes the guide for the laser. vaporize the nucleus tissue behind the herniation and it shrinks
ESI was suggested by another doctor friend of mine... Fabien Bitan in NY.
I will follow through with ESI and accupuncture with my local doctor in the US.
Regarding your question... if the disc is not the problem, why do ESI? (Also, where are injections to be done. (from skype msg)
ESI will be in the t-spine in area around the herniated disc... hoping to reduce inflammation so potential constant irritation is reduced.
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