has anyone heard of cauterisation of a nerve

[sidsue]

I have lower Disc problems and have had the injections but after my injections it say cauterisation may be an alternative if pain came back ?

[BarbaraAnne2995]

Yes...I have. Anyone...correct me if I am wrong... I have had both of these procedures

1) Rhizotomy - is a procedure that severs nerve roots in the spinal cord. Its an electrified probe that gets inserted at the sensory nerve, just outside of the joint. This disables the nerve & prevents pain signals from reaching the brain. This procedure is pretty long-lasting. I was sedated for Rhizotomy and was pretty painful afterward, in recovery. However, I did experience significant relief, that lasted approx. 6+ months.

2) Ablation - performed with just a local anesthetic & performed under Fluoroscope (live x-ray) for guidance. Physician, using Fluoroscope...Guides/directs a Radiofrequency Needle alongside the Medial or Lateral Branch Nerves. The targeted nerves are then numbed while a lesion is created. Then, Radiofrequency Waves are introduced to Heat the lesion, which Disrupts the nerves ability to send pain signals to the brain!

As I said, I have had both procedures done over the past 5-7 years.. And have had good results from both. However, Ablation does not last/provide as long a term of relief as Rhizotomy did. Maybe 3 weeks of relief with Ablation...approx. Also, Ablation is performed in 3 treatments/sessions; then cannot be redone/performed again, I Think... for another 6 months.

There are pros/cons to both proceedures and I think you'll just have to make your own decision as to which one is right for you.. Which procedure gives you the greatest relief..for as long as possible ☺

I hope I was able to help...give you a little more insight?

Whatever you decide though; I wish you the best of luck/much success!!!

Please don't hesitate to respond!! Good Luck & GOD Bless!!!

[Pat-W in reply to BarbaraAnne2995]

This is very helpful. Thanks. I have had chronic knee pain following a TKR and have been diagnosed with an injury to the Infra Pattaler Branch of the Saphenous nerve in the knee. I have had all of the conventional treatments and am on fentynal patches, diazepam, tramadol and sleeping tablets and the only solution seems to be denervation of this nerve in the knee either by a cryogenic op or with a radio frequency treatment. However I can not find any specialist who has experience to do this. Has anyone had this knee treatment or can anyone suggest how I can find a specialist, NHS or private? Thanks for your help

[Boriginal in reply to Pat-W]

Hi Pat-W, I have had severe pain due to bulging discs and osteoarthritis in the facet joint of the spine. It has affected my mobility since the year 2000. I had cryosurgery of the nerves in the lower ack a good few years back now. The procedure was excruciating. However it did give me total pain relief for about 10 months. I had a second treatment but that only lasted about 3 months and I decided that the procedure was too painful for so little gain. I asked a pain specialist about this procedure a couple of years ago now and he said they don' perform that anymore. So back to the medication!!