Thoracic Laminectomy

Spine Anatomy Basics

The spine’s structure consists of several interlocking vertebrae. Each one has a gap at the center, called the spinal canal, which provides space for the spinal cord to pass through. The lamina is the section of bone that forms the back of the spinal canal. Its purpose is to protect the spinal cord.

What Is Thoracic Laminectomy?

Thoracic laminectomy is a surgery to remove the lamina from a vertebra in the thoracic spine, or the upper back. This is the spinal region that supports the ribcage. Thoracic laminectomy is often used to treat conditions that narrow the spinal canal. Removing the lamina relieves pressure and gives the spinal cord extra space to function. Surgeons may also need to perform a laminectomy to make hard-to-reach structures, such as spinal discs, easier to operate on.

What Does Thoracic Laminectomy Treat?

Laminectomy is one of the most performed procedures at NU-Spine. We use it to treat back pain from a wide variety of conditions, including:

• Thoracic stenosis
• Thoracic herniated disc
• Thoracic slipped disc
• Thoracic degenerative disc disease
• Pinched thoracic nerve
• Thoracic myelopathy
• Thoracic radiculopathy

Back surgery often provides a permanent solution for pain. However, it can put stress on the body, which is why NU-Spine typically begins treatment with conservative methods. Physical therapy, rest, and medication are often effective management strategies. However, they can’t always eliminate pain at its source. Back pain that resists conservative treatments may be treated with surgery. Patients interested in laminectomy should speak with a NU-Spine surgeon to find out whether it is right for them.

Who Performs Thoracic Laminectomy at NU-Spine?

At NU-Spine, surgeries like thoracic laminectomy are performed by Branko Skovrlj, MD. Our resident neurosurgeon, Dr. Skovrlj, is one of the few board-certified neurosurgeons in New Jersey to exclusively treat back conditions. He is experienced with all kinds of spine procedures with a specialization in complex and minimally invasive procedures. He also participates in research to improve treatments for back pain. His contributions have earned him rewards and recognition around the globe.

Dr. Skovrlj is committed to his patients and aims to create lasting relationships with them. He understands that it may be difficult to talk about back pain, especially when it causes insecurities or a limited lifestyle. Therefore, he strives to maintain a comfortable, compassionate environment where patients can discuss their pain easily.

How Is Thoracic Laminectomy Done?

Patients receive thoracic laminectomy treatment at NU-Spine’s well-equipped and modern facilities. It is typically performed under anesthesia, so the patients are asleep while the surgeon works. The procedure takes a few hours and follows these steps:

1. Dr. Skovrlj makes an incision on the patient’s back.
2. Using precise surgical instruments, he moves the muscle and tissue aside to expose the problematic vertebra or vertebrae.
3. He removes most or all of the lamina on the vertebra.
4. He may perform a spinal fusion, if needed, to stabilize the spine.
5. He closes the incision with stitches or staples and covers it with surgical dressing.

The patient is then taken to a recovery room to wake up under the supervision of medical professionals. Once they are awake and their condition is stable, they can move to a hospital room to start their recovery. Experienced nurses will monitor the surgery site to make sure the healing process begins properly. Most patients stay for a few days. Some may be candidates for minimally invasive laminectomy, which is performed using a smaller incision. These patients may be able to go home earlier.

Recovery After Thoracic Laminectomy

Once Dr. Skovrlj is confident the patient is healing well, he clears them for release. Patients should pay attention to his guidance for at-home recovery, asking questions if necessary. Following his instructions is important to avoid complications and ensure a successful recovery. Instructions may include:

• Covering incision sites with dressings
• Restricting 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 with Dr. Skovrlj

Strenuous activities, such as exercise or heavy lifting, may be limited for several weeks following the procedure. Dr. Skovrlj will guide the patient through a gradual return to normal activity levels. Physical therapy is often recommended to facilitate this return. It works to rebuild strength and flexibility around the surgical site, helping patients get back to their pre-pain levels of mobility. Full recovery and rehabilitation typically take between four to six weeks.

Outcomes of Thoracic Laminectomy

Thoracic laminectomy provides immediate and lasting relief for most patients. Pain is reduced or eliminated, allowing patients to reduce their reliance on pain medications. Thoracic laminectomy does not affect long-term mobility, meaning patients can participate in the same activities they enjoyed before their condition developed. This can lead to improved mood, fewer insecurities, and a better quality of life.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

To ensure the best possible outcome from surgery, Dr. Skovrlj emphasizes minimally invasive methods when possible. This approach uses specialized tools to work through as small an incision as possible. Because it requires less cutting, the body heals more easily. Patients experience the following benefits:

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

Patients should speak with Dr. Skovrlj about whether minimally invasive methods are possible for their case. They may be candidates for a cutting-edge new approach to treatment.

Find Back Pain Treatment Near You in New Jersey

Don’t let chronic back pain rule your life. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. We offer thoracic laminectomy and other advanced procedures to help you recover from your painful back condition. Contact us to learn more about our treatment options or to schedule an appointment at one of our locations near you in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thoracic Laminectomy

What does thoracic laminectomy involve?

Thoracic laminectomy is a procedure that removes the lamina, or the back section of bone, from one or more vertebrae in the thoracic or middle back region.

Who is a candidate for thoracic laminectomy?

Patients may be candidates for laminectomy surgery if their back pain symptoms are severe or their symptoms do not respond to conservative pain management strategies.

When is thoracic laminectomy recommended?

Thoracic laminectomy is most often used to relieve spinal cord compression caused by a narrowing of the spinal canal. It may also be performed to access a spinal disc for removal.

What is a minimally invasive laminectomy?

Minimally invasive laminectomy uses specialized equipment, including an endoscopic camera, to work through a smaller incision than traditional surgery. This can reduce trauma for an easier recovery.