Question 1

does the success rate of microvascular decompression surgery go down if it is preceded by percutaneous procedures like as radio frequency rhizotomy, glycerol injection or balloon compression?

Accepted Answer

No: The surgery isn't compromised by that it just means other therapies didn't work.

Question 2

what is the definition or description of: rhizotomy?

Accepted Answer

Related to nerves: A rhizotomy is a procedure used to destroy nerve endings to prevent pain signals being sent to the brain.  There are a variety of ways to accomplish this. Sometimes a doctor will use heat or chemicals to destroy the nerves.  This is used for people who have not responded to more conservative pain treatments such as over the counter medicines or physical therapy.

Question 3

i am having a rhizotomy done on my si nerves.what should i expect?

Accepted Answer

Soreness: Generally most people are sore for a few days up to 1-2 weeks afterwards.  Recommend icing the area and take nsaids for at least the first few days around the clock to reduce this response.

Question 4

what is selective dorsal rhizotomy?

Accepted Answer

Surgery on nerves: Dorsal rhizotomy is a procedure in which the posterior nerve bundles leaving the spinal cord are cleaved, cauterized, or ablated with radiofrequency to help block pain.  Some are performed by neurosurgeons and others are less invasively performed by pain doctors.

Question 5

what is the cost of facet rhizotomy?

Accepted Answer

At least 800$: This depends greatly on the location where the procedure is done. A pain specialist with the ability to do it in his office with minimal sedation will likely charge you around 800$ if paying cash. If you do it in a surgery center with more sedation expect to spend a couple of thousand, and more like 5 thousand if it is done in a hospital. If you have insurance how much you pay will vary with plan.

Question 6

is rhizotomy good for back pain?

Accepted Answer

Only if injected 1st: Rhizotomy is a third stage treatment, after diagnosis of facet syndrome, after successful but short pain relief with injection.  You may get months of pain relief in order to complete your rehabilitation.  It does not "fix anything" and can become an expensive recurring option if surgery is not recomended.

Question 7

back pain after a rhizotomy, what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Rhizotomy: Im assuming you are referring to a facet rhizotomy.  Did the procedure give you any relief?  There are other conservative pain management interventions.  If you have already tried and failed these you should see a spine surgeon for evaluation.  Perhaps a fusion may help you when all other possibilities fail, but this depends on being examined and reviewing your history and films.

Question 8

can you tell me about it's like to use rhizotomy for back pain?

Accepted Answer

Generally Good: Radiofrequency procedures  work well if a previous facet injection or medial branch block was performed with greater than 75-80% relief that was obtained.  As with anything there are failures, but quite low if the block worked well.  Risks are the same as with any spine procedure, no different.  Rare that you would be worse off afterwards.  Generally relief can last 1-2 years.

Question 9

what are side effects from a bilateral, total rhizotomy near the pons?

Accepted Answer

Sensory loss: This is a significant procedure and should be discussed thoroughly with your surgeon. As the nerve roots will be cut or otherwise destroyed, you will have complete numbness in the distribution of those nerves.

Question 10

what side effects are expected from a bilateral, total sensory rhizotomy near the pons?

Accepted Answer

Rhizotomy: There have been few studies of the effectiveness of trigeminal nerve rhizotomy in the relief of trigeminal neuralgia.  However, the studies did show it seems to be effective and well tolerated.

The major complication is facial numbness.  Rarely, but importantly there have been some cases where the neuralgia returns more severe than before.  If this happens, contact your doctor asap.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy

A member asked:

Does the success rate of microvascular decompression surgery go down if it is preceded by percutaneous procedures like as radio frequency rhizotomy, glycerol injection or balloon compression?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: rhizotomy?

A member asked:

I am having a rhizotomy done on my si nerves.what should i expect?

A member asked:

What is selective dorsal rhizotomy?

A member asked:

What is the cost of facet rhizotomy?

A member asked:

Is rhizotomy good for back pain?

A member asked:

Back pain after a rhizotomy, what should i do?

A member asked:

Can you tell me about it's like to use rhizotomy for back pain?

A member asked:

What are side effects from a bilateral, total rhizotomy near the pons?

A member asked:

What side effects are expected from a bilateral, total sensory rhizotomy near the pons?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?