Cervical laminectomy can provide immediate and long-lasting relief from spine pain. Though patients may hesitate to seek treatment out of concern for the risks of surgery, advanced techniques have made laminectomies safer than ever. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides cervical laminectomy and other spine procedures at locations throughout New Jersey. Here, we discuss the risks associated with spine surgery and how minimally invasive surgery (MIS) reduces complications to ensure a safe recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Cervical laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the back section of a vertebra. It is performed to create space around the spinal cord, reducing compression.
- Cervical laminectomy has a small risk of complications, such as surgical site infection, excessive bleeding, nerve damage, and spinal instability.
- Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) uses precise tools to work through a smaller incision, reducing the risk of complications while allowing for a faster recovery.
What Is Cervical Laminectomy?
A cervical laminectomy is a laminectomy performed on the cervical, or neck, section of the spine. Laminectomy is a surgical removal of the lamina, the back section of a spinal bone (vertebra) that protects and supports the spinal cord.
Most cervical laminectomy procedures are performed as spinal cord decompression. The spinal cord is a thick bundle of nerves that send information between the brain and the body. If this bundle is pinched or compressed, then patients experience intense pain and neurological symptoms.
Many conditions can cause myelopathy or spinal cord compression. Common culprits include:
- Thickened ligaments
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Scoliosis and kyphosis
- Osteoporosis
By performing a laminectomy, surgeons open space around the spinal cord to relieve impingement and restore normal spinal cord function. Laminectomy may also allow surgeons better access to the spinal canal to remove bone spurs or bulging discs that press against the spinal cord.
Risks and Complications Associated with Cervical Laminectomy
Cervical laminectomy is a proven procedure with a very high success rate. No surgery has 100% success, however, and there is always a small chance of complications. Risks associated with cervical laminectomy include:
- Infection: If the incision site is not kept sterile, it may become infected. Spine infections cause pain, fevers, and an increased risk of failed back syndrome.
- Bleeding: All surgical sites bleed. In rare cases, however, the bleeding is excessive or does not slow down. This can cause severe blood loss and slower healing.
- Nerve injury: While accessing the spine or removing the lamina, the surgeon may damage a nerve, resulting in long-term neurological symptoms and pain.
- Instability: The lamina provides support and stability to the spine. Removing it may destabilize the spine, requiring a cervical spinal fusion to restore its integrity.
Patients can reduce the likelihood of complications by following the surgeon’s instructions during recovery. Measures such as proper incision care, smoking cessation, and activity limits, work to support the healing process for lower risk.
How Minimally Invasive Surgery Techniques Lower Risk
Patients can also reduce their risk factor by pursuing minimally invasive surgery (MIS). MIS refers to an advanced approach to surgery that uses medical imaging and precise tools to minimize disruption. Rather than fully exposing the vertebra, the surgeon works through an incision as small as one inch. The benefits of this approach are many, such as:
- Limited exposure: Internal structures spend less time exposed to air, reducing the opportunity for bacteria to enter and cause an infection.
- Less disruption: The tiny incision minimizes cutting through muscle and bone, reducing the likelihood of nerve damage or instability.
- Reduced bleeding: Smaller incisions bleed less than large ones. They also heal more quickly, ensuring that blood loss stops sooner.
- Easier care: The small incision and fast healing make it easier for patients to protect the surgical site at home, reducing the risk of infection.
- Faster recovery: Finally, patients heal more quickly. A shorter recovery means less time when serious complications may develop.
Not only does MIS reduce surgical risks, but it also often allows patients to get back to normal life sooner. Some patients can spend less time recovering and enjoy the positive results of their treatment as soon as possible.
Find Minimally Invasive Cervical Laminectomy Care Near You in New Jersey
MIS is not always an option for cervical laminectomy. When possible, however, this approach can significantly reduce surgical risks for a greater chance of a successful recovery. At NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, you can experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments. Don’t wait for relief; contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a pain-free future at one of our locations near you in New Jersey.