Overview
PECD stands for percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy. The cervical area or neck portion of the spine includes several vertebrae numbered C1 through C7. A PECD procedure focuses on alleviating pressure against spinal nerves or spinal nerve roots in the neck area, which may relieve pain and limited mobility not only in the neck, but the arms and shoulders, as well as other body parts affected by pressure of vertebrae against nerves or nerve endings.

Who Benefits from PECD Procedures?
Anyone experiencing pain, limited range of motion or lack of mobility in the neck area may opt for a percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy. Individuals diagnosed with soft cervical disc herniation are excellent candidates for the procedure. However, those experiencing moderately severe to severe neurological instability or damage are not considered good candidates for this procedure.

PECD Procedure Detail
A PECD involves the removal of herniated disc tissues that press on nerves or other portions of spinal cord. This type of procedure is very effective for individuals who have tried non-invasive and therapeutic options without relief. The procedure is also beneficial for those experiencing pain and difficulty walking, standing, sitting, lying down and other basic movements.

A percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy procedure is often performed in an outpatient or day surgery facility. Endoscopic surgery of the spine, is a minimally invasive technique commonly used for such surgery.

An endoscopic approach enables the surgeon to make one to four small incisions (usually less than 1/4-inch in length). The endoscope is a device equipped with a thin tube equipped with a light and a camera at one. Using this tool, the surgeon can view the surgical field on a monitor or screen in the operating room. Small movements and corrections of the endoscope are monitored in the surgical suite through a C-arm and or endoscopic vision technologies. Special medical tools designed for minimally invasive surgical procedures allow the surgeon to repair or remove areas of the spine with reduced risk of surrounding tissue damage.

The surgeon accesses the spinal vertebrae of the neck from the front of the throat. This approach offers greater stability and protection for the spinal cord and nerves. Then, a cannula is inserted into the small incision. A medical device called a disc forceps is used to remove the herniated or damaged portion of the vertebral disc. Following removal of the damaged vertebral pieces or disc, the area is then irrigated with an antibiotic saline solution.

How Much Does a PECD Procedure Cost?
Cost of endoscopic cervical discectomy procedures depend on location and approach. Within the United States, any type of spine surgery is costly. With the cost of hospital stay, medications, surgery fees and anesthesia the procedure in the United States, prices ranges anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000, while in India costs range from $8,400 to $10,250. In South Korea, the procedure averages $16,000.

Medical travelers to Costa Rica might spend around $12,000 on a cervical discectomy while a patient traveling to Thailand will spend approximately $8,000.  Travelers to Columbia, Poland, and hungry also spend an average of $9,500 for the procedure.

Who Performs PECD Procedures?
A PECD procedure is performed by an orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine care, or by a neurosurgeon or vascular surgeon with cervical spine surgical experience. Spine care physicians and surgeons should be certified in their field, and show membership in national or regional boards or associations in his or her country of origin.