What is Laminectomy Surgery?
Chronic lower back and neck pain often begins in people aged 40 and above, as spinal wear and tear increases with age. Laminectomy is typically recommended when pain is caused by spinal cord or nerve compression that doesn’t improve with conservative treatments and significantly affects mobility or quality of life.
Laminectomy is used to relieve the pressure on the spinal canal due to conditions like degenerative stenosis, fracture, spinal tumors, abscess, and deformity. A neuro- or orthopedic surgeon performs a lumbar laminectomy operation to treat nerve pain in the lower spine, while cervical and thoracic laminectomies can also be performed to treat neck or middle back pain. With advanced technology and an expert team specialized in minimally invasive techniques for spinal issues, Yashoda Hospitals is recognized as the leading center for laminectomy.
Types of laminectomy
Laminectomy Surgery involve specialized tools and techniques like traditional or open laminectomy, microlaminectomy, minimally invasive laminectomy, endoscopic laminectomy, and lumbar laminectomy with fusion.
Laminectomies are performed at several sites, such as lumbar laminectomy (performed on the lower spine), cervical laminectomy (performed on the neck region), and thoracic laminectomy (which is performed on the thoracic-middle back region).
Why is it performed?
- To remove a herniated (slipped) disk or bone spurs from the spine.
- To ease chronic pain and discomfort in the legs and back due to conditions such as spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).
Procedure Name | Laminectomy |
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Type of Surgery | Open or Minimally invasive |
Type of Anesthesia | General Anesthesia |
Procedure Duration | In between 1-3 hours |
Recovery Duration | Few week to few months |
Laminectomy: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care
Preparation for Spine Surgery
- Before a laminectomy, the surgeon reviews the medical history, performs a physical examination, and suggests certain imaging tests, including X-rays, CT or MRI, and myelograms (to get a detailed picture of the spine using contrast material during CT or X-ray techniques).
- Additionally, the patient is asked to refrain from taking any social habits, including smoking and drinking alcohol, along with any medications that could interfere with the procedure, such as blood thinners, and is instructed to fast for 6-12 hours.
- Finally, the surgeon provides the details of the procedure, risks, benefits, and recovery expectations.
During Laminectomy
- Once in the procedure room, you will be administered general anesthesia to reduce the pain during the procedure.
Initially, small incisions are made at the lower back to access the spine
- A small tube with a camera or endoscope is inserted through one of the incisions to visualize the spine and the extent of injury to perform the surgery with high precision.
- Next, the surgeon separates the muscles from the vertebrae to expose the spine & removes a portion of the lamina or any disc fragments or bony spurs to create space & relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
- Finally, the muscles are repositioned or aligned back in position, and incisions are closed using stitches or staples.
After the procedure
Initially, small incisions are made at the lower back to access the spine
Following surgery, the patient will be monitored in the recovery room and typically stays in the hospital for a day or more. The patient may be provided with a post-surgery plan, and their healthcare provider may provide additional instructions based on their specific circumstances.
Laminectomy Recovery time
Recovery: The patient may require a few days of hospital stay. The recovery period may vary from individual to individual; however, the ideal healing period for minimally invasive laminectomy procedures ranges from 4 to 6 weeks.
Post-operative care
- Keep your incision area clean and dry.
- Use crutches or walkers as supporting aids to avoid the strain on the lower back or spinal cord.
- Avoid movements such as bending, twisting, and heavy lifting for several weeks.
- Avoid sitting for more than 20 minutes & climbing stairs for a few weeks
- Focus on a healthy diet that includes calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, and green leafy vegetables.
- Attend rehabilitation programs that aim to restore knee mobility through mild physical therapy or exercises, pain management therapies, & overall psychological support.
- Watch for signs of complications, such as severe back pain, swelling, and redness around the incision site, and contact your doctor immediately.
- Take your pain medications as directed to ease discomfort.
- Follow up to monitor the spinal healing status.
Benefits of Laminectomy at Yashoda Hospitals
- Effective Repair: Our comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans ensure effective treatment for spine abnormalities.
- Experienced orthopedic Team: With years of experience, our skilled orthopedic and neurosurgeons perform Laminectomy procedures with precision and expertise.
- Efficient Care: We strive to provide timely diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment strategies, ensuring efficient care and optimal outcomes.