News Releases

Live Surgical Webcast Demonstrates Safe, Effective Minimally Invasive Treatment For Herniated Discs

Houston, Texas, September 8, 2006 – On October 4, at 5:30 p.m. CST, accomplished neurosurgeon, J. Greg Bonnen, M.D., will demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the minimally invasive lumbar discectomy that treats herniated discs, during a live, global Webcast from Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital in Houston, Texas.  This innovative approach gives welcome relief to thousands of people who suffer with low back pain.

As many as four out of five Americans experience significant back problems during their lives making back pain the second most common reason for a doctor’s visit. Many times, a herniated disc is the source of the pain.

During this procedure, Dr. Bonnen will utilize a fluoroscope to obtain a real-time view of the spine. Guided by the fluoroscope, a small needle is inserted through the skin and muscle to the affected area to make the initial ½-inch incision. Following the needle, dilators, or metal tubes, are inserted sequentially – from small to large - through the muscle. A muscle-splitting METRx™ method is used to gradually separate and open, rather than cut the muscle. Dr. Bonnen will then remove the herniated disc through the small opening, while the support structure of the disc remains intact.

“Once the procedure is complete, the dilator is removed and the separated muscle fibers flow back together,” explained Dr. Bonnen. “The minimally invasive approach limits the muscle damage and pain often associated with traditional back surgery. It also allows for more movement and faster return to work and daily activities.” Dr. Bonnen has used the minimally invasive surgical approach to treat herniated discs, degenerative discs and deformity corrections.

While conservative treatments exist, those patients who do not respond to therapy or medication, who are otherwise healthy may choose the more comprehensive, yet less invasive lumbar discectomy.  This approach offers a speedier recovery, smaller incision, less post-operative pain and a shorter hospital stay.

Serving as online moderators during the live Webcast will be neurologist Nishith Majmundar, M.D. and orthopedic surgeon David Vanderweide, M.D., who will answer selected, appropriate inquiries during the surgery. Archived streaming video of the procedure will be available for at least one year, and Dr. Bonnen and his team will continue to receive and answer e-mailed questions for one month following the surgery.

This program is the tenth in a series of live surgical Webcasts sponsored by Memorial Hermann to give medical professionals and consumers the opportunity to view cutting-edge surgical procedures live on the Internet from anywhere in the world.  The Web link for the October 4 live surgery is http://www.or-live.com/memorialhermann/1700 .

For more information, contact Media Relations.