Thoracic Rhizotomy

What Is the Nervous System?

The nervous system can be considered the body’s communication system. It is a vast, interconnected network of fibrous cells, called neurons, which carry electrical signals from one part of the body to another. These signals relay information about the senses, organ function, muscle movements, and much more. Damage to neurons interrupts this flow. Signals may be altered or lost altogether, depending on the type and severity of damage.

What Is Endoscopic Thoracic Rhizotomy?

Thoracic rhizotomy procedures take advantage of the nervous system’s function to treat chronic pain. This minimally invasive treatment involves cutting through nerve fibers in the upper-back region of the spine, called the thoracic region. This interrupts nerve signals, so pain signals do not reach the brain. Pain may be partially or fully eliminated, letting patients live comfortably for years to come.

What Does Endoscopic Thoracic Rhizotomy Treat?

Thoracic rhizotomy is an effective treatment for a variety of conditions affecting the thoracic spine, or upper back. It may be used to address nerve pain by destroying the problem nerve, or it may treat other forms of pain by interrupting signals to the brain. NU-Spine uses rhizotomy for the following diagnoses:

• Thoracic myelopathy
• Thoracic radiculopathy
• Pinched thoracic nerve
• Thoracic stenosis
• Upper back arthritis
• Thoracic herniated disc
• Thoracic slipped disc
• Thoracic spinal cord injury

Upper back pain treatment often begins with conservative methods like rest, medication, activity modification, or physical therapy. Severe back conditions, however, may not get better with non-invasive treatments. If a patient has tried conservative methods without improvement, they should speak with a NU-Spine surgeon. Thoracic rhizotomy might be the appropriate next step.

Who Performs Thoracic Rhizotomy at NU-Spine?

Surgeries at NU-Spine are performed by Branko Skovrlj, MD. Our resident neurosurgeon, Dr. Skovrlj, has extensive experience in a wide array of spine procedures. His special expertise is in minimally invasive procedures, including endoscopic thoracic rhizotomy. He regularly participates in research efforts to make minimally invasive spine surgery more widely available to patients in need. His contributions have earned him awards and acclaim from top medical organizations around the world.

Despite his accolades, many patients say Dr. Skovrlj is relatable and approachable. He treats his patients with compassion, getting to know them as individuals and not just as diagnoses. This makes it easier to discuss pain and trust his expertise when presenting a solution.

How Is Endoscopic Thoracic Rhizotomy Done?

Like other surgical procedures, endoscopic thoracic rhizotomy takes place at a state-of-the-art NU-Spine facility. Before beginning, the patient is given general anesthesia to keep them asleep while Dr. Skovrlj works. He then completes the rhizotomy procedure with the following steps:

1. Dr. Skovrlj makes a tiny incision on the upper back, near the target nerve.
2. He uses a set of surgical tools called retractors to gently pull soft tissue aside. This lets him access the problem nerve without unnecessary cutting.
3. He inserts an endoscope, or tiny camera, into the passage created by the retractors. The endoscope provides video feedback to guide Dr. Skovrlj’s tools while he works.
4. With the endoscope feed as guidance, Dr. Skovrlj locates the problematic nerve.
5. He may apply a small electrical impulse to activate the nerve. This lets him confirm that he has selected the correct nerve before he makes a cut.
6. Dr. Skovrlj uses precise tools to cut through the nerve fibers.
7. He removes the retractors and closes the incision with stitches.

Endoscopic thoracic rhizotomy is a quick procedure. If all goes well, Dr. Skovrlj finishes in half an hour to an hour. Afterward, the patient is taken to a recovery room to wake up from anesthesia. The patient can go home after waking up. A night at the hospital is not necessary.

Recovery from Endoscopic Thoracic Rhizotomy

As with any other surgical procedure, it is normal to experience some swelling and pain after thoracic rhizotomy. This goes away after a few days. While the incision site heals, patients should take care to keep it clean and protected. There are otherwise no restrictions after thoracic rhizotomy. Patients can go back to normal activity levels within days or a week of their procedure.

Results from Endoscopic Thoracic Rhizotomy

Thoracic rhizotomy provides immediate and significant relief from nerve pain. Most patients report that their pain is nearly or completely gone, and they can return to the activities they loved before their condition developed. They sleep better, take fewer pain medications, and can enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Relief from rhizotomy typically lasts several years before nerves begin to regrow. At this point, the patient may discuss a second rhizotomy or other treatments with Dr. Skovrlj.

Rhizotomy is a minimally invasive surgery. This means the procedure relies on precise tools, including retractors and endoscopic cameras, to operate through a tiny incision. The goal of minimally invasive treatment is to reduce the amount of surgical cutting required. This allows for faster recoveries with less pain or risk of complications, helping patients enjoy results sooner.

Find Thoracic Pain Treatment Near You in New Jersey

If you or a loved one is struggling with treatment-resistant nerve pain, transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. We maintain modern locations near you across New Jersey where we provide state-of-the-art spine pain treatments, including endoscopic thoracic rhizotomy. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment and begin discussing your treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thoracic Rhizotomy

What is a thoracic rhizotomy procedure?

Thoracic rhizotomy is a minimally invasive procedure to treat upper back pain. It involves cutting through nerve fibers to disrupt pain signals, keeping them from reaching the brain. As a result, pain is nearly or completely eliminated for years of relief.

Who is a good candidate for thoracic rhizotomy?

Thoracic rhizotomy is recommended for patients with chronic nerve pain or other pain conditions originating in the upper back. It is most often used for patients whose pain is severe enough to interfere with everyday life, especially if the pain does not respond to conservative treatments.

How long do the results from a thoracic rhizotomy last?

The pain relief provided by the procedure will vary from patient to patient, depending on their condition and overall health. However, the results can last anywhere from six months to two years before the nerves start to regenerate.