Understanding Spine Structure
Spinal bones (vertebrae) have a unique structure. The front portion, called the body, is a large ring of bone that gives the spine most of its stability. Behind the body is the spinal canal. This hollow opening provides space for the spinal cord to pass through. The spinal canal is surrounded by a bony ring that protects the spinal cord on all sides. The back portion of this ring is called the lamina. Though one of the smallest parts of the vertebra, the lamina performs an important role in supporting the spinal cord.
The spinal cord needs space to function correctly. Under normal conditions, the spinal canal gives it ample room. Some conditions, however, can narrow this opening. This condition is known as spinal stenosis. The narrowed canal creates pressure on the spinal cord, causing the following symptoms:
- Back pain
- Burning or shooting pain
- Pain that radiates to the arms, hips, or legs
- Tingling or numbness in the chest, arms, or legs
- Muscle weakness in the arms or legs
- Loss of arm or leg motor control
- Spasticity (abnormal movements) in the hands or feet
- Inability to bend or twist the spine
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
What Is a Hemilaminectomy?
Hemilaminectomy is a minimally invasive spine surgery to treat spinal cord compression. As part of this procedure, the surgeon removes parts of the lamina to widen the spinal canal. This creates extra space around the spinal cord, relieving compression for immediate and lasting relief. The Latin prefix “hemi” means half. Appropriately, hemilaminectomy can be thought of as half of a laminectomy.
How Does Hemilaminectomy Work?
Before a hemilaminectomy, the patient goes through extensive testing and evaluations. This stage is to ensure an accurate diagnosis and confirm that surgery is the best path forward. Once the patient and physician agree on a treatment plan, they can move forward with the procedure.
Hemilaminectomy is typically performed under general anesthesia. This means that the patient sleeps through the operation, which follows these steps:
- The surgeon makes a tiny incision over the spine near the target vertebra.
- Using specialized instruments called dilators, the surgeon gently pulls aside muscle and soft tissue to expose the spine.
- The surgeon carefully cuts away and removes parts of the lamina.
- The surgeon closes the incision with stitches and covers it with bandages.
Hemilaminectomy is sometimes performed by itself. If so, the surgery takes one to three hours. If spinal cord compression is caused by a herniated disc, however, then the surgeon may also perform a discectomy to remove the problematic disc. He may then perform a spinal fusion if necessary to stabilize the spine. This complex procedure may take several hours to complete.
Afterward, the patient moves to a recovery room to wake up. Patients who receive only a hemilaminectomy can go home the same day. If a more complex procedure is required, however, they may need to spend a few days at the hospital.
Is Hemilaminectomy Always Successful?
All surgical procedures come with a risk of failure. Hemilaminectomy and laminectomy, however, are proven procedures with high rates of success. Studies show 85-90% of open laminectomies are successful at treating pain, with 75% of patients satisfied with their long-term results. Minimally invasive hemilaminectomies have even better outcomes.
As with any procedure, of course, a reliable surgeon is key to success. Surgeries at NU-Spine are performed by the award-winning Dr. Branko Skovrlj. He is a top neurosurgeon in New Jersey and one of the few to focus only on spine treatments. He has extensive experience with minimally invasive procedures, including hemilaminectomy, and uses cutting-edge tools to ensure the best results.
Ensuring a Successful Hemilaminectomy Recovery
Positive surgical outcomes also depend on the patient. Hemilaminectomy is followed by an extended recovery period. Complications during this period can influence the surgery’s long-term results, so it is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions. These may include:
- Regularly changing the surgical dressing
- Keeping the incision site covered while bathing
- Limiting strenuous activities, including household chores
- Walking small amounts every day to encourage blood flow
- Avoiding sitting down for very long periods
- Taking medications to reduce post-surgical pain
- Watching for fever, swelling, and other signs of infection
- Scheduling follow-up appointments with the surgeon
Patients should not hesitate to ask questions and make sure they understand the instructions. The closer they follow the surgeon’s guidance, the faster and smoother their recovery will be, and the sooner they can enjoy lasting relief after a successful hemilaminectomy surgery.
Find Back Pain Relief Near You in New Jersey
Though spine surgery may be a frightening prospect, advanced procedures like laminectomy are proven to be safe and reliable ways to find relief. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute specializes in minimally invasive treatments at locations near you throughout New Jersey. To learn more about hemilaminectomy success rates or to find out whether spine surgery is right for you, contact us today.