A laminectomy is a spinal surgery that is performed to remove the lamina to treat conditions that cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Laminectomy procedure is done when there is pressure on the spinal cord or nerves due to a herniated disc, tumor, or other condition. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about laminectomies!
What is laminectomy?
A laminectomy is a type of spinal surgery. It is also called a decompressive laminectomy or back surgery. It is a procedure that involves the removal of the lamina, which is the back portion of the vertebra. This procedure is done to treat conditions that cause pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. These conditions include herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and tumors.
Laminectomy is considered a minimally invasive surgery. This means that it involves smaller incisions and less tissue damage than traditional open back surgery. The main goal of a laminectomy is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This can help to improve symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness.
Why is it performed?
A laminectomy is usually performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This type of surgery is often done to treat:
- Herniated disks
- Spinal stenosis
- Bone spurs
- A laminectomy may also be done to remove a tumor that is pressing on the spinal cord or nerves.
Overgrowth of the joints, called bone spurs, can form in the spinal canal and pinch the spinal cord or nerves. This pressure may cause pain that radiates down the arms or legs.
Laminectomy enlarges the spinal canal which then decreases the pressure that radiates pain. Even though this procedure doesn’t cure arthritis, it’s still successful in lessening the symptoms.
What to expect before the procedure?
Your health care provider will instruct you on what types of medications to take and not take before your surgery, as well as how long before the surgery you should avoid eating and drinking.
What to expect during the procedure?
A laminectomy is usually done as an outpatient procedure, which means you won’t have to stay in the hospital overnight. During the surgery:
- You’ll be given a general anesthetic, which will put you to sleep.
- An incision will be made in your back.
- The surgeon will remove the laminae, which are the bones that make up the back of the vertebrae.
- After the laminae are removed, the surgeon will take out any bone spurs or other tissue that’s pressing on the spinal cord or nerves.
- The surgeon will close the incision with stitches or staples.
- You’ll wake up in a recovery room, where you’ll be monitored for any complications.
What to expect after the procedure?
You may feel some pain and discomfort after the surgery, but this can be controlled with medication. You’ll likely need to stay in the hospital for one or two days after the surgery.
Physical therapy may be recommended to help you regain your strength and range of motion.
It usually takes four to eight weeks to recover from a laminectomy. You may need to limit your activities during this time. You shouldn’t lift anything heavier than 20 pounds for at least six weeks after the surgery.
You may need to take pain medication for a few weeks after the surgery. Most people who have a laminectomy experience a significant decrease in pain. The surgery can also help improve your ability to walk and move around.
A laminectomy is a fairly common procedure and most people who have it experience a significant decrease in pain. If you’re experiencing back pain, talk to your doctor about whether a laminectomy may be right for you.
Risks of a laminectomy
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with a laminectomy. These include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Damage to the nerves or spinal cord
- Reaction to the anesthesia
- Leakage of spinal fluid
The risks of a laminectomy are low, but it’s important to discuss them with your doctor before the surgery.
Benefits of a Laminectomy
A laminectomy can offer patients several advantages.
- It can relieve pain by removing pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
- It can help improve mobility by widening the spinal canal and relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
- It can help stabilize the spine and prevent further injury.
- A laminectomy is often less invasive than other types of spinal surgery, which means that patients can typically expect a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery.
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