Minimally Invasive Laminectomy: What You Need to Know

What Is a Minimally Invasive Laminectomy?

A laminectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the lamina, the section of bone that forms the back of the vertebra. It encloses the spinal canal, protecting and supporting the spinal cord. By removing it, surgeons create additional space around the spinal cord. This is an effective solution to pain caused by spinal cord compression. There are three types of laminectomies, differentiated by what part of the spine they target:

• Cervical laminectomy, which is performed on the neck
• Thoracic laminectomy, which is performed on the middle to upper back
• Lumbar laminectomy, which is performed on the lower back

A minimally invasive laminectomy is simply a laminectomy performed using minimally invasive methods. The surgeon uses cutting-edge medical equipment, such as an endoscope, to reduce the amount of cutting required. Unlike open surgery, where the spine is fully exposed, minimally invasive procedures work through incisions as small as a few inches.

The Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery has the great advantage of reduced surgical stress. Open surgeries require large amounts of cutting, leading to a lengthy healing process with a higher risk of infection and other complications. In contrast, minimally invasive procedures are much easier on the body. By minimizing the damage done to skin, muscle, and soft tissue, these procedures provide the following benefits:

• Less muscle and nerve damage
• Less pain and blood loss
• Less risk of infection and complications
• A faster return to normal activities
• Smaller scars

For these reasons, NU-Spine surgeon Dr. Branko Skovrlj prioritizes minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. He understands that spine surgery is a significant step and may be stressful for his patients. He makes treatment easier by emphasizing an easier recovery.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Minimally Invasive Laminectomy?

Laminectomy is primarily done to reduce pressure on the spinal cord. The spinal cord is a thick bundle of nerves that relays information between the body and the brain. If it becomes compressed, this function is impeded. Patients may experience tingling, pain, and loss of sensation or control over various parts of their body. Several different conditions can cause spinal cord compression, including:

• Stenosis
• Herniated disc
• Slipped disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Degenerative joint disease (arthritis)
• Spinal deformities
• Sprains

Treatments for spinal cord compression do not typically begin with surgery. In most cases, physicians recommend conservative treatments. Some non-surgical alternatives for back pain include:

• Physical therapy
• Pain relief medications
• Steroid injections
• Rest and lifestyle adjustments
• Heat or cold therapy
• Wearing a supportive brace

However, these methods do not provide permanent relief. Constant management is required to maintain the same level of mobility. Over time, conservative treatments may also become less effective. Surgery provides a permanent solution that eliminates pain. It lets patients get back to their active lifestyles without relying on medications to stay functional.

How Is a Minimally Invasive Laminectomy Done?

Minimally invasive laminectomy may be performed as an inpatient or outpatient procedure. It is most often done under anesthesia, meaning that patients are asleep while the surgeon is at work. After anesthesia is administered, the surgeon performs the following steps:

1. The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the skin over the spine.
2. Using a specialized instrument called a surgical dilator, he gently pushes aside muscle and tissue to expose the spine without cutting.
3. He inserts a tiny camera called an endoscope into the channel created by the dilator. The endoscope provides a video feed that Dr. Skovrlj uses to watch himself work.
4. Dr. Skovrlj carefully removes bone spurs and most or all of the lamina.
5. If necessary, he will also perform additional procedures such as a discectomy or a spinal fusion.
6. He closes the incision and dresses it with a sterile bandage.

Afterward, the patient is taken to a recovery room where nurses monitor their condition while the patient wakes up from anesthesia. Many patients can go home as soon as they are awake and alert. If the surgeon performed any additional procedures, such as a spinal fusion, then a short hospital stay will be necessary to ensure a good start to recovery.

Recovering from a minimally invasive laminectomy takes between four and six weeks. Patients need to restrict their activities at the start to avoid injuries. Once the incision site is healed, physical therapy begins to help patients gradually return to their full strength and mobility.

Find Expert Spine Surgery Near You in New Jersey

If you are struggling with back pain that resists treatment, a solution may exist. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute offers minimally invasive laminectomies at locations near you in New Jersey, transforming patients’ lives with cutting-edge surgical care. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of minimally invasive surgery or to schedule an appointment and begin discussing treatment.