Dorsal Root Entry Zone
The Dorsal Root Entry Zone procedure is an operation for patients who present with chronic, intractable neuropathic pain. When conservative treatments have not relieved the patients symptoms, DREZ is considered. This surgery may treat sensory nerve damage and destroy the area where the damaged nerves join the central nervous system (CNS). This surgery intercepts pain messages from nerves to the brain.
DREZ is beneficial to patients suffering from
- Brachial plexus avulsion
- Sacral plexus avulsion
- Spinal cord injury
The dorsal root is the place where the body’s sensory nerve fibers enter the spinal cord. It is through here that the nerve fibers send the brain messages about sensations. If an injury is caused to the sensory nerves, changes occur that cause abnormal pain sensation.
The patient is assessed through an MRI or CT scan/myelogram. The person is assessed for avulsion injury of the spinal nerve roots. The neurosurgeon gains access to the spinal cord through a procedure called laminectomy. Using a surgical microscope, the surgeon isolates the damaged area of the spinal cord. The surgeon would create lesions within the DREZ using radiofrequency, laser, ultrasound or microsurgery.
