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LaminectomyThe procedure is generally performed as full open back surgery and is very invasive. The incision is up to 5 inches long and there is complete dissection of all muscles in the affected area. Once the spine is visualized, part of the bone (lamina) is removed to reveal the nerve roots. The facet joints are trimmed to provide more room for the nerve roots to exit from the spine.
Results of ProcedurePain reduction is best achieved in patients suffering from sciatica pain in the legs. Actual back pain complaints enjoy less favorable results with this operation. The degenerative processes will also continue and it is relatively common for the pain to return to some degree, as time goes by.Recovery From LaminectomyPatients are usually hospitalized for 2 to 3 days after surgery. There is significant physical restriction due to the large incision. Most patients will have to restrain from most activity for 6 to 8 weeks post surgery. Patients will usually be prescribed physical therapy to help them recover from the procedure.Risks of Laminectomy SurgerySpinal surgery can always have complications. This procedure is performed under general anesthetic and carries the usual risk of heart attack, embolism, blood clots or strokes. There is a chance of spinal fluid leak or nerve damage. There is a considerable risk for loss of spinal stability in the operated vertebral levels. A spinal fusion is sometimes performed at the same time, in order to prevent this occurrence. There is also considerable risk of infection, especially with such a large incision and multiple levels of tissue dissection. The worst possible risk by far is the high incidence of failed back surgery syndrome. This occurrence is certainly every patients nightmare come to life!Recommendation for LaminectomyI would NOT recommend this procedure. I believe that it is antiquated technology and simply overly invasive. My mother (Rest in Peace Mom, I love you…) had the full open version of this procedure which left her with horrible scar tissue, limited mobility and pain that never did go away. She regretted the surgery and had a long recovery period to regain full functionality. I have seen the results of this procedure and I am not impressed. I would recommend that you investigate ALL POSSIBLE options before even considering this invasive surgery.Updated minimally invasive versions of this operation are now generally available and are a much preferred option. The results are not much better, but at least the damage to healthy tissue is reduced and rehabilitation time is faster and less painful.
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