Cervical Laminectomy

Spine Anatomy Basics

The spine is a column of interlocking bones called vertebrae. A hole passes through the center of each vertebra, allowing the spinal cord to pass through. The lamina is the section of bone found at the back of this hole. Its job is to provide support and protection to the spinal cord.

What Is Cervical Laminectomy?

Laminectomy is a procedure performed to remove all or most of the lamina from one vertebra. Cervical means that it is performed in the cervical section of the spine, or the neck. There are multiple reasons to do this. The surgeon may wish to create extra space around the spinal cord, relieving pressure so that the nerves can function normally. It may also be done to reach part of the spine that is otherwise difficult to access. Removing the lamina gives the surgeon extra space to work effectively.

What Does Cervical Laminectomy Treat?

Laminectomy is one of the most recommended spine surgeries and can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions. At NU-Spine, cervical laminectomy may be used for the following:

• Cervical stenosis
• Cervical herniated disc
• Cervical slipped or bulging disc
• Cervical degenerative disc disease
• Cervical myelopathy
• Cervical radiculopathy

Surgery is not typically the first recommended treatment. In most cases, NU-Spine begins with conservative methods such as physical therapy, pain relief medications, or a supportive brace. However, if this approach fails to provide relief, surgery may be considered as a final solution. We may also recommend surgical treatment for conditions with severe symptoms that interfere with quality of life. Patients should speak with a physician about what treatment is best for them.

Who Performs Cervical Laminectomy at NU-Spine?

All surgical procedures at NU-Spine, including cervical laminectomy, are performed by resident neurosurgeon Branko Skovrlj, MD. He is one of the few board-certified neurosurgeons in the state to focus solely on the spine. He has expertise in all types of spine surgery, with a specialization in complex and minimally invasive procedures. He also regularly contributes to research to improve surgery outcomes. These contributions have earned him worldwide recognition.

Despite his renown, Dr. Skovrlj is a small-town physician at heart. He treats patients with compassion and a personalized touch. Neck and back pain may be difficult to discuss, especially when the pain or its treatment leads to lifestyle changes or body insecurities. Dr. Skovrlj remains down-to-earth and approachable, so patients feel comfortable when discussing their pain.

How Is Cervical Laminectomy Done?

Cervical laminectomy is performed at NU-Spine’s state-of-the-art surgical facility. We are equipped with the latest technologies, enabling Dr. Skovrlj to work with high precision. Cervical laminectomy is most often performed under anesthesia, meaning patients sleep through the procedure. Once anesthesia is administered and the patient is unconscious, Dr. Skovrlj performs the following steps:

1. He makes an incision on the side or back of the neck.
2. Using specialized instruments, he gently pushes aside muscle and tissue to expose the painful part of the spine.
3. He cuts away most or all of the lamina and removes it.
4. In some cases, he may perform a spinal fusion to stabilize the spine after laminectomy.
5. He closes the incision with sutures (stitches) and protects it with surgical dressing.

Afterward, patients are taken to a recovery room where they can be monitored until they wake up. They are then taken to a hospital room for the earliest stages of recovery. Traditional cervical laminectomy requires a short hospital stay. Some patients may be candidates for minimally invasive laminectomy, which works through a smaller incision to reduce surgical trauma. Patients who receive a minimally invasive procedure may be able to go home sooner.

Recovery After Cervical Laminectomy

Once the patient is cleared for release, Dr. Skovrlj will provide recovery instructions. Patients are encouraged to follow these instructions to avoid complications and ensure a faster recovery. Dr. Skovrlj will answer questions to help patients understand what is required. Instructions may include:

• Protecting incisions with dressings
• Limiting strenuous activities
• Taking medications to manage post-surgical pain
• Watching for fever, swelling, and other signs of infection
• Scheduling follow-up appointments with Dr. Skovrlj

Certain activities may be restricted for a few weeks after the procedure. Patients should follow Dr. Skovrlj’s guidance for returning to normal activities. As the surgical site heals, they may begin physical therapy. This will help them rebuild strength, flexibility, and stability in their neck, facilitating a smoother and safer return to pre-surgery activity levels. Full recovery from cervical laminectomy typically takes between four to six weeks.

Outcomes of Cervical Laminectomy

Most patients experience significant relief from pain after a cervical laminectomy. The cause of discomfort is eliminated, allowing patients to return to the activities they enjoyed before their condition developed. Many individuals may be able to reduce pain medications or stop them entirely. They also enjoy improved sleep, better moods, and an overall higher quality of life.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Dr. Skovrlj emphasizes minimally invasive spine surgeries. These procedures use specialized tools, including a tiny camera, to work through a small incision. Minimally invasive surgery causes less stress to the body, providing a variety of benefits over traditional open surgery. They include:

• Shorter hospital stays
• Faster recovery
• Less post-surgical bleeding
• Less risk of infection or complications
• Higher surgical success rates

Patients should speak with Dr. Skovrlj to find out whether they are candidates for minimally invasive cervical laminectomy. They may be able to enjoy faster results with less pain.

Find Neck Pain Treatment Near You in New Jersey

If you or a loved one is suffering from chronic back or neck pain, do not hesitate to transform your life with a touch of care. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute offers cervical laminectomy and other cutting-edge treatments to help patients find relief. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of minimally invasive spine surgery or to schedule an appointment at one of our locations near you in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Laminectomy

What does cervical laminectomy involve?

Cervical laminectomy is a procedure that removes the lamina, or the back section of the vertebra. It targets pain in the cervical region of the back or neck.

When is cervical laminectomy recommended?

Cervical laminectomy is used to treat spinal cord or nerve compression due to a narrowed spinal canal. It may also be performed to access a hard-to-reach spinal disc.

Who is a candidate for cervical laminectomy?

Patients may be candidates for cervical laminectomy if they have neck or upper back pain that does not respond to conservative treatments.

What is minimally invasive spine surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery uses advanced tools to work through a smaller incision. It reduces surgical trauma for a faster, easier recovery with less pain and infection risk.