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Laminoplasty hospitals in Dhakuria

Laminoplasty

Laminoplasty hospitals in Dhakuria

Laminoplasty, also known as ‘Osteoplastic Reconstruction of the Lamina,’ is a surgical procedure primarily performed on the cervical region of the spine (neck), although it can also be done on the thoracic and lumbar regions. This procedure involves reshaping or repositioning the lamina to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

  • Pre-procedure: General instructions are provided regarding the preparation for the procedure. Before the surgery, your hair is shaved on the back of the head, and electrodes are placed to monitor vital signs, such as heart rate and nerve activity. You will be positioned appropriately, and our specialists will administer anaesthesia, general or local, depending on your condition.

  • Procedure: An incision is made on the cervical region to expose the cervical spine. A groove is made on one side using a special drill, creating a hinge, and then cut completely through the lamina on the other side. The lamina is opened, and metal plates or screws are placed to secure and reposition the part of the vertebrae. A drain is placed to control bleeding, which is removed the next day. The muscles and ligaments are moved back into place, and the incisions are closed.

  • Post-procedure: The incisions are closed with stitches or staples, and post-recovery instructions are provided.

FAQ's

Laminoplasty is usually addressed for patients with the following conditions, which include:

  • Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL)

  • Spondylotic myelopathy

  • Congenital spinal stenosis

  • Syringomyelia, characterised by the formation of fluid-filled cysts within the spinal cord

  • Creating a pathway or access for conditions such as tumours and blood vessels; correcting or improving the function of the spinal cord and nerves; and addressing both congenital and acquired malformations.

Specialists can also determine whether the patient is a candidate for Laminoplasty by determining the K-line, an imaginary line on an X-ray. Conditions with positive K-lines, such as OPLL, can be addressed with Laminoplasty, while negative K-lines may require surgery such as Anterior or Posterior Decompression with Fusion.

During your consultation with a spine care specialist, a thorough discussion is done based on your symptoms and medical history. Based on the discussion, our specialists will recommend that you undergo imaging tests, such as an X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a myelogram. Depending on the results, you will be informed if a Laminoplasty is necessary to treat your condition. You are encouraged to share any concerns or questions with our specialist, who will promptly resolve all your doubts.

General instructions you can follow before undergoing Laminoplasty include:

  • Informing our specialist regarding any current medications or supplements you are taking. You may be advised to avoid certain medications temporarily, such as anti-coagulants.

  • Arrange your transportation before and after the procedure.

  • Discuss whether you need to stay at the hospital after the procedure. If yes, you may have to arrange your clothes and other comfort items for your stay.

  • Refraining from eating for at least 6 hours and drinking for 2 hours before the procedure. 

  • Abstaining from smoking or chewing tobacco products

  • Wearing comfortable clothes and removing any pieces of jewellery or wearable objects during the day of the procedure.

 

Possible complications that can arise during or after a Laminoplasty procedure include:

  • Severe bleeding or infection of the surgical site
  • Pain, tenderness, or numbness
  • Nerve damage
  • Uncontrolled bladder and bowel movements
  • Weakness or paralysed spinal cord injury
  • Spinal loss alignment
  • Recurrent stenosis
  • Lordosis
  • Kyphosis
  • Leakage of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)
  • Allergic reaction induced by anaesthesia

The timeframe of the entire procedure might take around 2 hours or more, depending on the severity of your condition and individual factors such as patient anatomy and existing co-morbidities. Our specialist will inform you regarding the expected duration based on your case report.

Laminoplasty procedures provide relief for around 60 to 70% of individuals with various neurological symptoms, which can last for more than 10 years. Postoperative radiological scans, such as MRIs, will be taken to evaluate the success of the procedure. Outcomes are generally positive for patients who have undergone Laminoplasty compared to Laminectomy. Some factors that increase your chances of outcomes include:

  • Patient age
  • Neurological findings
  • Duration of the condition
  • The presence of any other injuries in the cervical, lumbar, or thoracic regions

You will be shifted to the recovery room, where your vital signs are monitored continuously, and remain in the room until the anaesthesia wears off. You may also need to stay at the hospital for a day or two, depending on the complexity of the condition. In cases of post-operative pain, you will be given pain management medications to alleviate discomfort. Our specialists will provide post-care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to check on your progress.

Recovery time varies for each person, but it generally ranges from 6 to 12 weeks. You may return to light or desk work within a few weeks, but it might take six weeks or more to resume physically demanding jobs or strenuous exercises. Our specialists will inform you of the expected recovery time based on your condition.

General post-care instructions you can follow after undergoing the Laminoplasty procedure include:

  • Adhering to pain and other medications to minimise pain and discomfort. You may be advised to wear a neck collar to prevent any movement during your recovery. 

  • Taking adequate rest and taking care of your surgical site to prevent any infections

  • Limiting yourself from performing normal activities for a few weeks or until specified by our specialist

  • Maintaining a healthy diet to foster natural healing