PROCEDURES EXPLAINEDDecompression (Laminectomy)
Decompression Lumbar Laminectomy is the most common surgical procedure performed for the correction of stenosis in the back. The surgeon will remove or trim the bony lamina and a thick ligament, the ligamentum flavum, that lies under it. This will help in reducing pressure on the painful structures. This procedure may be performed in the traditional open surgery fashion, but minimally invasive procedures exist that may improve recovery times. Typically general anesthesia will be used to prevent pain during surgery.
What to Expect
- You will have an IV placed in your arm or hand for the delivery of anesthetic to put you into a deep sleep and prevent pain during your surgery.
- Your surgical team will usually consist of a vascular surgeon as well as an orthopedic or neurosurgeon.
- This surgery is performed with the patient on their side or stomach.
- In some cases, real-time imaging will be used to help visualize the surgical site.
- The vertebral level for operation is identified, and structures are moved aside for access to the surgical site.
- A small drill or bone biting tool is used to remove the lamina and access the thick ligament called the ligamentum flavum.
- The ligamentum flavum will be cut to access the spinal canal.
- The surgeon then removes any bone spurs and other materials to expand the stenotic space.
- The back structures are returned to their original place.
- The incision is closed, and steri-strips may be placed to facilitate healing.
- You will then be taken to a recovery area for close monitoring until you awaken. You will still have your IV, and may have a catheter to help facilitate urination while you recover. You may also have a sore throat from intubation. When you are fully alert and awake, you will then be returned to your hospital room.
Experiencing Symptoms of Decompression (Laminectomy)?
Common Risks and/or Frequently Asked Questions
Bleeding
Blood clots
Nerve damage
Return of symptoms
Infection
Post Procedural Instructions
- Activity Restriction
- Pain Management
- Incision Care
- Call if
- Desk jobs may be returned to in about 2 weeks, but others may require 4 weeks or more
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking narcotics
- Do not try to lift more than 10 pounds
- Do not smoke
- Walk as often as is comfortable on non-slippery surfaces
- Be mindful of body motion practices, as discussed with your physical therapist
- Post-procedural pain may last days to weeks as the inflammation subsides
- Do NOT take NSAIDs in the first few months following surgery, as they can interfere with the bone healing process
- Take your prescribed pain medication as recommended, and inform your care team if relief is inadequate. It is normal to feel some degree of pain during the recovery process, but it should not be excruciating.
- Unless otherwise stated, your incisions are most likely sutured from the inside.
- Dressings may be removed about 48 hours after surgery, and incisions should be washed with soap and water
- Do NOT soak the incision site, baths, hot tubs, and pools should be avoided for 2-3 weeks until the wounds have fully healed
- Sunblock with SPF 30 or greater may be used to protect healing skin from discoloration, as new skin will lack the sun protectant pigment melanin
- Fever of 101.5 F or greater
- Redness, swelling, warmth around the incision site
- New neurological symptoms, such as weakness or loss of sensation that was not present before
- Loss of bowel or bladder control that is new
- Severe Pain
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Severe Headaches
- Calf Swelling, as this may be a sign of thrombosis
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or cough
Common
Recovery Timeline
Lumbar Laminotomy is a fairly significant procedure, and patients can expect 6 to 9 months of recovery time before regular activities may be resumed.
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