Overview
PECD stands for percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy. The cervical area of the spine is found in the neck. Seven vertebrae in the neck support the head at the upper portion of the spinal column. The PECD procedure is designed to decompress or alleviate pressure against spinal nerves or spinal nerve roots.

A B-twin is a type of cage or support used in the fusion of vertebral discs in degenerative disc disease processes to help provide a more secure union to structural skeletal bone without causing damage to surrounding tissues. In most cases, B-twin cages with screws are commonly utilized in minimally invasive fusion procedures to help provide additional stability and support to the cervical spine.

Who benefits from PECD with B-Twin Procedures?
Individuals 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. Individuals experiencing moderately severe to severe neurological instability or damage are not considered good candidates for this procedure.

PECD with B-Twin 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 other options without relief and who experience and suffer from severe pain and difficulty walking, sitting, and other basic movements.

In most cases, a percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy with B-Twin procedure can be performed at an outpatient or day surgery facility. Laparoscopic surgery, also known as an endoscopic surgery of the spine, is a minimally invasive technique that has been perfected in the past two decades.
 
The laparoscopic approach enables the surgeon to make one to four small incisions (usually less than 1/4-inch in length) through which the laparoscope, a long, thin tube equipped with a camera at one and that enables the surgeon to view the surgical field on a monitor or screen in the operating room.

The surgeon will typically access the cervical area of the spine from the front of the throat. The vertebrae of the neck area are exposed through this process, which also ensures greater stability and protection for the spinal cord and nerves. A cannula is inserted into the small incision and a disc forceps may be used to remove the herniated or damaged area of the disc. Following removal of the damaged disk space, the area is irrigated with an antibiotic saline solution. Small movements and corrections of the endoscope are monitored in the surgical suite through a C-arm and or endoscopic vision technologies.

The B-twin spinal spacers are expandable and may be placed through an open or endoscopic surgical approach when necessary to enhance disc space height and stability. B-Twin spinal spacers are often utilized in individuals with degenerative disc disease and through endoscopic foraminoplasty procedures.

How Much Does a PECD with B-Twin Procedure Cost?
Cost of laparoscopic discectomy procedures depend on location and approach. In the United States, any type of spine surgery is quite expensive. 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.

For example, an individual traveling to Costa Rica may spend approximately $12,000 on a cervical discectomy while a patient traveling to Thailand will spend approximately $8,000.  Travelers to Columbia, Poland, and Hungary also spend an average of $9,500 for the procedure.

Who Performs PECD Procedures?
A PECD procedure is generally performed by an orthopedic surgeon specializing in spine care or neurosurgeon as well as a vascular or general surgeon. Surgeons should be chosen according to their expertise and experience in related fields. 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. Consumers are encouraged to get more than one opinion before engaging in any type of spinal surgery, as well as making sure that facilities, surgeons, and healthcare staff are accredited by international associations and organizations to ensure quality of equipment, technology, as well as quality of care by medical staff.