Column Treatment Progress Report No. 150: a Patient with Residual Symptoms after Endoscopic Surgery Who Improved After Treatment at our Clinic
January 15, 2025
The patient
A male patient in his 40s
Treatment in December 2023. About 12 months have passed since the treatment
Symptoms and treatments up to now
This patient had disc degeneration in the area indicated by the red frame (L5/s).
Pre-treatment medical history and treatments
The herniated disc was removed by endoscopic surgery in 2016.
It recurred in 2017 and was surgically removed again by endoscopic surgery.
Since the surgery, the pain and numbness in the lower limbs have been relieved, but the pain in the lower back has always remained.
In November 2024, the patient was unable to extend his lower back and had difficulty getting up, so he came to our clinic.
Post-treatment progress
The following is a chart in which the patient rated each area of pain on a scale of 0 to 10.
No pain at all is rated as 0, and the greatest possible pain is rated as 10.
| Lower back | Lower limbs | Numbness | Buttocks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before treatment | 7 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| 1 week after treatment | 5 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 1 month after treatment | 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 3 months after treatment | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 6 months after treatment | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
The following is feedback from the patient when contacted for follow-up.
After one week, the patient experienced pain in the buttocks that made it impossible to go about his daily life for 2 to 3 days after treatment, but it gradually improved.
After one month, symptoms occurred when bending forward or squatting, but otherwise there were no other problems. Sleeping and getting up from bed were both better than before the treatment.
After 3 months, pain still occurred when he made certain movements.
At 6 months, symptoms had improved considerably. He still feels a little heaviness when he starts a movement, but it does not bother him.
This patient’s symptoms were most likely caused by disc degeneration.
During the examination, we told him that the pain in the buttock might remain, but we are very pleased that it has disappeared as a result of his treatment.
We believe that the patient’s daily exercise and stretching routine also contributed to the good results.
* It takes approximately 3 weeks to 3 months to see the full effects of the treatment.
* Effects in the treatment may vary according to individual differences. Please be aware that there is a possibility that the exact same effects may not be replicated every time.
Our clinic’s treatment method
Here is some additional information about the Cellgel method that we have presented here.
Cost of the Cellgel method: 1,320,000 yen per site (including tax) to 1,760,000 yen for 5 sites (including tax)
Cost for this patient’s case: Cellgel performed in 2 areas = 1,430,000 yen (including tax)
Risks and side effects of the Cellgel method: Transient pain may occur after treatment. Due to the very nature of the treatment, the possibility of nerve damage is not zero, but so far there have been no reports of damage in either reported cases or publications. There is a very small possibility of allergic reactions to the local anesthetic. Symptoms may temporarily worsen during the first week or two after treatment. This is believed to be due to the decompression effect of the implant, which pulls in the surrounding tissues. Also, if the disc is almost completely worn out, it may not be possible to treat it. The doctor will consult with you during your visit to determine the best treatment option for your condition.
For more detailed information, please refer to the following links:
Column page explaining the Cellgel method in an easy-to-understand manner
Page of the Cellgel procedure at our clinic
This article was written by the administrative Director of our clinic
