Laminectomy

What is a Laminectomy procedure?

A Laminectomy is also referred to as an Open Spinal Decompression Procedure, which is a specialist back operation that is carried out in order to make more space for the special spine nerve fibres and their blood supply that provide feeling to the legs.

The aim of the surgeon performing a Laminectomy is to create an environment in which any compressed spinal nerves can recover. A Laminectomy is a procedure designed to remove a small portion of the bone over the nerve root and/or disc material from under the nerve root to give the nerve root more space and a better healing environment.

Why is a Laminectomy procedure performed?

A Laminectomy is usually performed as a result of a degenerative ageing process of the spine. This ageing process causes the disc of cartilage, which normally bonds and cushion two Vertebrae together, to collapse. This collapse lessens the available space that normally exists between two vertebrae and as this shrinking process becomes more severe, trap the spinal nerves and their blood supply that supply the leg. This debilitating condition causes severe pain and loss of mobility.

If this condition is left untreated for a significant length of time then the resulting nerve damage can become permanent and irreversible 

How is a Laminectomy procedure carried out?

A Lumbar Laminectomy (open decompression) differs from a Discectomy procedure in that the incision over the spine is longer. Consequently more trauma is created to the surrounding spinal muscles, as a 2 - 5 inch long incision is required in the midline of the back rather than a Micro Incision as with a Disectomy. In addition a Laminectomy procedure also requires that the left and right back muscles (the Erector Spinae) are dissected off the Lamina in order to perform the operation.

After the spine is opened, the Lamina of the effected Vertebra is removed (Laminectomy), which allows the surgeon to see the nerve roots. The Vertebral Facet Joints, which are directly over the nerve roots, may also be trimmed away to give the affected nerve roots more room.

A Laminectomy can be performed under General Anaesthetic (you will be asleep) or Spinal/Epidural Anaesthetic (you will be awake, but unable to feel pain during the procedure). The procedure usually takes around one to two hours to complete, dependant on the complexity and severity of the condition.

A Laminectomy operation is performed with a patient positioned on their front throughout the procedure, whereby an incision is made over the affected area of the spine in order for the surgeon to expose and examine the deteriorating disc space.

Following surgery, the wound is closed with stitches (sutures) and covered with an absorbent dressing.

What is the recovery like?

Once a patient is fully recovered from the effects of anaesthetic they are normally quickly encouraged to be as active and mobile as possible to avoid complications such as Deep Vein Thrombosis or joint stiffness from developing. It is normal for patients to be encouraged to take a few steps with the support and guidance of a physiotherapist the day after surgery. Following a progressive improvement of mobility and pain control patients are normally discharged home around 3-5 days following surgery.

By the time the required level of recovery is achieved for discharge, patients are normally wearing a simple wound dressing, eating and drinking normally, walking confidently and unaided and taking only mild analgesia (pain killers). Over the next 6 weeks patients will be expected to work on improving their own mobility through dedicated and progressive physiotherapy and by increasing their daily activity and walking distances.

Your Consultant Surgeon will assess your mobility, spine flexibility and pain control after 6 weeks and then again after three months to evaluate how successful your Laminectomy operation has been. Patients who are in employment should not resume work until after their first consultation and dependant on the physical nature of their job may be advised to take longer off work.

Patients should expect a continuous and full physical recovery to take between 6 - 12 months to achieve.

Are there any risks associated with Laminectomy surgery?

Although Laminectomy Surgery is regularly performed without any complications, it is very important that all candidates are fully aware of both the benefits and risks of undertaking this type of specialist and complex spinal surgery.
 
All surgery, no mater how expertly or carefully it is performed, carries risks and the importance of a full evaluation and consultation to discuss your condition in relation to these risks with an expert in Spinal Surgery cannot be over emphasised.

How do I find out if I am a suitable candidate for Laminectomy surgery?

Surgical Advisor will be delighted to help you find a leading expert in Spinal Surgery to consult with. Your surgeon will carry out a thorough evaluation of your condition and provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the most appropriate surgical solution.
 
Our Expert Consultant Orthopaedic and Neuro Surgeons are most carefully selected and recommended because they understand the importance of the decision you are making when contemplating complex spinal surgery and because of their specialist Spinal Surgery expertise. Throughout your consultation you will therefore be encouraged to ask as many questions as you wish and to take your time in making a decision to proceed with any recommended treatment.

To ensure that patients are comfortable with any recommendations or advice given in their consultation, all patients are asked to go away after a consultation and think through all the information they have received. If for whatever reason you are still not sure about the best course of action and wish to have further dialogue with your surgeon, you will not be expected to pay for a second consultation appointment.

How do I make a consultation appointment?

For further advice on how to make an appointment to consult with an expert Spinal Surgeon: 

Please call Surgical Advisor on: 0870 41 41 41 2
Or email us by clicking on: advice@surgicaladvisor.com