Lumbar Laminectomy

 Spine Anatomy Basics

The spine is composed of many interlocking bones called vertebrae. Each one has a hole in its center, called the spinal canal, which allows the spinal cord to pass through. The lamina is a section of bone found at the back of the spinal canal. It protects and supports the spinal cord.

What Is Lumbar Laminectomy?

Lumbar laminectomy is a type of surgery that removes all or most of the lamina from vertebrae in the lumbar region, or lower spine. It may be performed for several reasons. In many cases, laminectomy is used to treat conditions that narrow the spinal canal. By removing the lamina, the surgeon creates space for the spinal cord to function normally. The surgeon may also perform this procedure to access a hard-to-reach structure in the spine to perform another procedure, such as a discectomy.

What Does Lumbar Laminectomy Treat?

Laminectomy is a common procedure that has proven effective for a variety of spinal conditions. NU-Spine recommends it for the following causes of back pain:

• Lumbar stenosis
• Lumbar herniated disc
• Lumbar slipped disc
• Lumbar degenerative disc disease
• Lumbar myelopathy
• Lumbar radiculopathy

Though surgery is effective in relieving pain, it can be stressful on the body. For this reason, NU-Spine typically recommends a conservative approach first. Physical therapy, pain medications, or a brace may provide the relief patients are looking for. However, if these fail or if symptoms are severe, surgery may be considered. If you are interested in the possibility of lumbar laminectomy surgery, speak with a NU-Spine surgeon to find out whether it is the right path for you.

Who Performs Lumbar Laminectomy at NU-Spine?

At NU-Spine, surgical procedures like lumbar laminectomy are performed by our resident neurosurgeon, Branko Skovrlj, MD. He is a board-certified neurosurgeon with an exclusive focus on the spine. He has extensive experience in all types of spine surgery, particularly complex and minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Skovrlj also contributes to research to improve outcomes for back pain treatments. These contributions have earned him multiple awards.

Despite his accolades, Dr. Skovrlj retains his small-town values. He gets to know each patient individually, so they’re comfortable discussing their pain and symptoms. By treating people with compassion, he makes himself easier to approach with sensitive issues like lumbar pain.

How Is Lumbar Laminectomy Done?

Lumbar laminectomy takes place at one of NU-Spine’s state-of-the-art surgical facilities. It is typically performed under anesthesia, which keeps the patient asleep while the surgeon works. Once the patient is asleep, Dr. Skovrlj performs the following steps:

1. He makes an incision on the patient’s back.
2. Using precise instruments, he nudges aside muscle and tissue to expose the painful part of the spine.
3. He removes most or all of the lamina on the problematic vertebra.
4. He may perform a spinal fusion to stabilize the spine after laminectomy.
5. He closes the incision with sutures and protects it with surgical dressing.

Afterward, the patient is taken to a recovery room. Trained nurses monitor their heart rate and other vitals until they wake up. The patient is then moved to a hospital room where they will begin recovery. Traditional lumbar laminectomy usually requires a hospital stay of at least a few days to help the patient start healing under the supervision of medical professionals. Some patients are candidates for minimally invasive laminectomy, which works through a smaller incision. These patients may be able to return home sooner – sometimes on the same day as their procedure.

Recovery After Lumbar Laminectomy

Once the physicians are confident that the patient’s condition is stable, the patient is cleared for release. At this point, Dr. Skovrlj will provide instructions for recovery. Patients should make sure they understand his instructions and follow them carefully. This is the best way to ensure an easy, complication-free recovery. His guidance may include:

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

Certain activities, including heavy lifting and strenuous exercise, may be restricted after surgery. Dr. Skovrlj will provide guidance for returning to normal activity levels. Physical therapy may be recommended to help patients rebuild strength and mobility, which will help stabilize the surgical site while also facilitating a smooth return to regular life. Full recovery from lumbar laminectomy generally takes four to six weeks.

Outcomes of Lumbar Laminectomy

After recovering from lumbar laminectomy, most patients experience significant relief as spinal pain is reduced or eliminated. Patients can stop taking pain management medications and return to the activities they enjoyed before becoming limited by a back condition. They benefit from better sleep, an improved mood, and fewer body insecurities, leading to an elevated quality of life.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

For enhanced outcomes, Dr. Skovrlj performs minimally invasive surgery when possible. This is a surgical approach that uses specialized tools to work through smaller incisions. Because less cutting is required, the body heals more easily. This provides the following benefits:

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

Patients should speak with their physician to find out whether minimally invasive laminectomy is possible for their case. They may be a candidate for faster results with less pain.

Find Lumbar Pain Treatment Near You in New Jersey

If chronic back pain is interfering with your lifestyle, do not hesitate to find relief with a touch of care. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute offers lumbar laminectomy and other proven treatments to help patients recover from back conditions. Contact us to learn more about minimally invasive spine surgery or to schedule an appointment at one of our locations near you in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lumbar Laminectomy

What does lumbar laminectomy involve?

Lumbar laminectomy is a procedure that removes the lamina, which is the rear or posterior section of a vertebra. It targets pain in the lumbar spine, or lower back.

When is lumbar laminectomy used?

Lumbar laminectomy is used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or root nerves. It may also be performed to access a spinal disc for easier removal.

Who is a candidate for lumbar laminectomy?

Patients may be candidates for lumbar laminectomy if they are experiencing severe lower back pain or nerve symptoms, especially if conservative treatment methods do not work.

What is minimally invasive spine surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery uses advanced tools, including an endoscopic camera, to work through a smaller incision. This approach reduces surgical trauma for an easier recovery.