For patients in South Africa

Laser disc decompression in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) treats some herniated discs through a needle rather than an open operation. Laser energy vaporises a small amount of disc material to lower the pressure inside the disc and take pressure off a nearby nerve. It suits only some disc problems, and the first step is finding out whether yours is one of them.

How PLDD is done

• You lie on your front; local anaesthetic and mild sedation are commonly used
• Using fluoroscopy or CT guidance, a thin needle is placed into the affected disc
• Laser energy is delivered through a fibre to vaporise a small part of the disc
• The needle is removed and a small dressing applied; there is no large incision

Full details are on the PLDD treatment page.

Who it may suit

• A contained or mildly protruding lumbar disc herniation, and some neck disc problems
• Sciatica or nerve-related leg pain caused by the disc
• Symptoms that have not improved enough with medication, physiotherapy or rest
• People medically suitable for a minimally invasive procedure, with realistic expectations

Not every disc problem is suitable. The specialist needs your MRI, a neurological examination and a history of what you have tried before saying whether PLDD is appropriate. If another treatment fits better, you will be told.

How long to stay, and the flight home

Many PLDD treatments are day cases, with a short period of monitoring afterwards. Plan a few days in İzmir so the specialist can check you before you fly; the specialist decides when that is. Depending on the treatment plan, you may recover at Mandarin Grove. Sitting still for ten hours can aggravate back pain, so choose an aisle seat, get up and walk when you can, and drink water.

Recovery at home

Mild soreness where the needle went in is common for the first days. Walking is usually encouraged, but heavy lifting and strain on the spine should be avoided. Many patients return to light activities within days and to normal activities over several weeks. Physiotherapy may be recommended; arrange it with a physiotherapist in South Africa before you travel.

Take your MRI, the procedure report and discharge notes home for your GP. Follow-up continues by message and video call, and Turkey is only one hour ahead. Complications arising from treatment, and any revision that becomes clinically necessary, are covered for one year from the date of treatment by our treatment guarantee. If a claim is accepted, the treatment is carried out in İzmir by the treating team at no charge for that treatment, but flights and accommodation remain your responsibility, and the guarantee does not cover treatment by another provider after you return home.

Risks and limits

Infection, bleeding, temporary discomfort and nerve irritation are possible. Relief may be incomplete, the disc can herniate again, and some patients later need further treatment or surgery. Results vary between patients.

Compare other options in the spine surgery guide for South African patients and the orthopaedic surgery guide for South African patients. Facts about the clinic are on the clinic facts page, and our complaints process explains how problems are handled.

What we will not do

We will not confirm PLDD before a specialist has reviewed your MRI, we will not promise that your pain will go, and we will not treat a disc problem that PLDD is not suited to just because you have travelled.

Frequently asked questions

Is PLDD a surgery?

PLDD is a minimally invasive procedure done through a needle, not traditional open surgery. There is no large incision, only a small needle entry point.

Is general anaesthesia needed for PLDD?

It is commonly done under local anaesthesia with mild sedation, and usually takes less than an hour.

How long should I stay in Turkey after PLDD?

Many PLDD treatments are day cases, but plan a few days in İzmir so the specialist can check you before the long flight home. The specialist decides when you can fly.

Can PLDD help sciatica?

It may help some sciatica caused by a contained disc herniation, but not every disc problem is suitable. Results vary, and some patients later need further treatment.

Will my medical aid cover PLDD in Turkey?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover planned treatment abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes it. Ask both specifically before you book.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.