 | Laminectomy |
What is a laminectomy?
A laminectomy is a surgical procedure performed to relieve compression on the spinal cord which may be caused by an injury, herniated disc, narrowing of the canal or tumours. This procedure involves the neurosurgeon removing a portion or entire lamina, also known as the vertebral bone.
When is a laminectomy needed?
Spinal pressure may be caused by bone spurs within the spinal canal which commonly occur in people who are diagnosed with arthritis of the spine. This may lead to the spinal canal is narrow and cause pain, weakness or numbness, which may radiate down your arms and legs. Laminectomy helps relieve radiating symptoms that may be caused by a compressed nerve. It is recommended if:
- Conservative treatment such as medication, weight loss and physical therapy, have been exhausted.
- Your muscles are weak or numb, which then leads to you being unable to stand or having difficulties in walking.
- You are experiencing loss of bowel or bladder control.
In some instances, laminectomy may be required as part of a surgical procedure to treat conditions such as a herniated spinal disc.
What does a laminectomy entail?
During the procedure, general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia may be administered. You will be instructed to take off your clothes and put on a hospital gown. An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted in your arm or hand, and a urinary drainage catheter will be inserted in your bladder to drain the urine.
Your heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen level and breathing will be monitored during the procedure. The neurosurgeon will then make an incision over the affected vertebrae and spread the muscles apart. He will then remove the bony arch of the vertebra in order to ease the pressure on the nerves of the spinal canal. The neurosurgeon will then also remove bone spurs or growths, or remove a portion or entire spinal disc.
In some cases, spinal fusion may also perform where he will connect two or more bones in your spine. After the procedure, the incisions will then be closed with either stitches or surgical staples.
