Laminectomy

Description:

Laminectomy is a surgical process that creates space by removing a part of a vertebra called the lamina. It is the roof of the spinal canal. Laminectomy widens the spinal canal to lessen pressure on the spinal cord that some injury, herniated disk, or tumors may cause. This surgery is generally used when you have no medication or physical therapy improvements. Laminectomy is considered one of the major surgeries. The surgical team monitors the heartbeat, blood pressure, and oxygen level throughout the process. They will cut your back over the vertebrae and move the muscles out from your spine. The size of the incision goes with the condition and body size. The surgeon uses small instruments to remove a small part of the lamina and bone spurs. Suppose a Laminectomy is performed as a part of surgical treatment for a herniated disc. In that case, the surgeon removes a small portion of a herniated disc and any broken pieces. After removing joints, the surgeon permanently joins two or more vertebrae during spinal fusion. This surgery might involve using bone grafts and, if necessary, metal rods and screws. The incision will be barred with stitches, and a clean bandage or dressing will be applied.

Length of surgery:

A Laminectomy is when a surgeon removes bone from the vertebrae to allow for more nerve space. It relieves the pressure on nerves and decreases symptoms like numbness, pain, and weakness. The length of this surgery is approximately two to three hours. You will be in the hospital for three days.

Type of anesthesia:

A Laminectomy is done while you are unconscious under “General Anesthesia.” It will make you fall asleep, which can help the surgeon to proceed with this surgery easily. It is considered a major surgery, so you can not use spinal anesthesia. It also depends on the patient’s condition and tolerance.

Complications:

Laminectomy is normally safe, but some risks always come with any surgery. Here are some complications you may face after the surgery:

Bleeding

Infection

Blood clots in legs

Nerve injury

Spinal fluid leak

Weakness and numbness

Recovery:

Generally, they discharge the patient on the same day or after 24 hours of observation, but they will discharge you after 2 to three days as it is not minor surgery. It will be good to meet a physical therapist before leaving the hospital. They will instruct you to bend, lift, and twist your back. You have to limit your daily work and body movements. A doctor will remove the stitches after two weeks. You can do some exercises with your therapist’s help to improve your muscles’ flexibility and strength. It may take eight weeks to get back into your normal routine. For the first two weeks, you must avoid lifting heavy objects, as it can cause severe damage to your muscles. Recovery can take time. During this period, you have to do physical exercises prescribed by your therapist. It will make your recovery faster.

Laminectomy

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