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Laminectomy in Bhubaneswar

Laminectomy

Laminectomy in Bhubaneswar

Laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a part or all of the vertebral bone called the lamina. When the space within the backbone is small, the spinal cord and nerves that pass through the spine exert pressure, leading to spinal stenosis. The goal of the surgery is to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord, facilitating improved nerve function, reduced pain, and enhanced mobility.

  • Pre-procedure: You will undergo diagnostic tests such as an X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or a myelogram to examine the symptoms and medical history. You might also be recommended new medications and may have to discontinue the existing ones.

  • During the procedure: Anaesthesia is injected to numb the site. An incision is made on the back or neck. Using a surgical microscope, your specialist takes a closer look at the affected site and removes a part or all of the lamina, bone spurs, disc fragments, or affected soft tissue. If deemed necessary, the area around the compressed nerves is enlarged (Foraminotomy), along with stabilisation of the bones in the spine (Spinal Fusion procedure). Afterwards, they’ll close the incision with stitches.

  • Post-procedure: The recovery may involve pain management, physical therapy, and a gradual return to normal activities.

FAQ's

Conditions that require you to undergo a Laminectomy include:

  • Relieving pressure on the nerves present in the spinal cord, such as spinal stenosis

  • Treatment of various disc problems, including herniated discs

  • Removal of a tumour present in the spine

  • When the disc is displaced or damaged due to ‘wear and tear’ or arthritis

  • Sharp, burning-like pain in the sciatic nerve, starting from the buttocks, running through the thigh, and down the back of the leg, is called sciatica

  • When traditional treatments such as medication or physical therapy do not work

  • Weakness in the muscles and joints or numbness, such as claudication

Like every surgery, Laminectomy comes with potential risks and complications such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, nerve injury, leakage of spinal fluid, possible back pain, severe headaches, and uncontrolled bowel or bladder movement. Moreover, undergoing a Laminectomy with additional procedures such as Discectomy, Foraminotomy, or Spinal Fusion may increase your chances of future spine issues, potentially requiring further surgeries. Your medical healthcare provider would educate and brief you on the risks and benefits of the surgery.

  • Cervical Laminectomy involves surgery on the cervical vertebra present in the neck.

  • Lumbar Laminectomy is done on the lower back vertebrae and aids in reducing pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs.

  • Sacral Laminectomy concentrates on the removal of the lamina from fused vertebrae in the sacrum.

Additionally, your option to opt for Minimal Invasive Surgery, such as Laminotomy, where only half of the lamina is removed, should be based on your medical healthcare provider's consultation and review.

The recovery process post-laminectomy depends on the severity of the procedure and the type of procedure performed. Minimal invasive procedures usually make a full recovery within four to six weeks, while advanced Laminectomy surgeries and Laminectomy combined with other surgeries, such as Spinal Fusion, may take up to six months to a year for complete healing. Again, the recovery process depends on an individual basis, and therefore your specialist may suggest you start slowly and avoid major movements initially. Moreover, your medical health provider will provide you with instructions and may refer you to a physical therapist to improve your mobility with less pain.

Pain tolerance post-surgery is unique and depends on factors such as your overall health and the type of procedure performed. Your medical provider may prescribe pain management drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or COX-2-specific inhibitors. Additional prescriptions may include some antibiotics, antihistamines for nausea or vomiting, and stool softeners for constipation. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to gain clarity on the medications prescribed and the recommended treatment plan.

Your medical healthcare provider would offer you personalised instructions and precautions. However, general precautions include:

  • Following your prescribed medication schedule, such as antibiotics, prescribed by your medical healthcare provider.

  • Refrain from activities such as lifting, bending, twisting, and other activities that strain your spine until your medical healthcare provider gives a green light.

  • Sleeping on a firm mattress enables you to maintain a proper spine posture while resting.

  • Perform exercises as demonstrated during your hospital stay, gradually increasing your intensity. Stop any exercise that requires great effort or exertion.

  • Promptly inform your medical healthcare provider of any signs of infection, such as redness, fever, discharge of any fluid from the wound, or persistent headaches.

The reasons for you experiencing the same or unexpected symptoms are not known. Possible reasons could be that your initial surgery did not alleviate your symptoms, the underlying cause of the pain was not addressed, there is a recurrent disc herniation, the spinal fusion did not succeed, or other factors that led to the failure of the surgery. You should inform your specialist if you experience any unexpected or similar symptoms post-surgery. Prior to pursuing further treatment, your doctors will conduct various tests to identify the source of the ongoing pain.

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