More About Spine Decompression Surgery

Types of Spine Decompression Surgery

• Microdiscectomy -is one of the most minimally invasive procedures performed for leg  pain (scaiatica ) from lumbar herniated disc. In this surgery, with a relatively small incision  the portion of the herniation that is in contact with the nerve root is pulled out.

• Lumbar laminectomy (open decompression)-is performed for pain from lumbar   spinal stenosis. During this procedure, the lamina (the bone in the back of the vertebra) at one or more segments is removed with the goal of reducing  pressure on the spinal cord or nerves

• Corpectomy – mostly used in cases of cervical surgery , it  involves removing part of the vertebra in order to decompress, or relieve pressure on spinal nerves.

• Laminotomy - this surgery is essentially the same as a laminectomy, with the exception that a hole is made in the lamina and  removal of a small portion of the lamina and ligaments, usually on one side so  the natural support of the lamina is left in place, decreasing the chance of postoperative spinal instability.

• Foraminotomy is the removal of bone around the neural foramen to release the pinched nerve . This method is used when due to disc degeneration the height of the foramen   has collapsed. 

Diagnosis for Decompression surgery :

• significant pain, weakness, or numbness in leg , neurological symptoms not improved with physiotherapy  or medication

• difficulty walking or standing that affects quality of life

• diagnostic tests like MRI , CT , Myelogram confirming  severity of  condition

• Cauda equina syndrome

Pre-operative Assessment

• General health check to ascertain  fitness for surgery,  past medical , surgical history .

• Blood tests

• X-ray , MRI scan  

During Operative  procedure

• Anaesthesia -procedure performed under general anaesthesia .

• Incision- A skin incision is made down the middle of your back over the appropriate vertebrae, The length of the incision depends on how many laminectomies are to be performed.

• The strong back muscles are split down the middle and moved to either side exposing the lamina of each vertebrae.

• laminectomy or laminotomy- Once the bone is exposed, an X-ray is taken to verify the correct vertebra,  the lamina at one or more segments is removed.

• Decompress of the spinal nerve

• Closure- The muscle and skin incisions are sewn together with sutures or staples.

• The length of  stay in hospital  depends on the degree of decompression performed usually the surgery requires a hospital stay from 1 to 3 days and recovery takes between 4 to 6 weeks. 

• Stitches or staples will be removed 10 - 14 days after your operation

Post operative Restrictions :

• Avoid sitting for long periods of time.

• Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds ,

• Do not bend or twist at the waist.

• Do not smoke. Smoking delays healing

 Complications Of  Spine Decompression Procedure

As in any surgery there can be complications:

• Pain

• Bleeding,

•  chances of blood clots (DVT)

• Infection

• Continued pain or numbness

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

• Infection in the spine

• Nerve damage Nerve damage or persistent pain. Any operation on the spine comes with the risk of damaging the nerves or spinal cord. Damage can cause numbness or even paralysis.

• Leaking of spinal fluid

Factors Affecting Cost Of Spinal Decompression Surgery

The cost to the patient depends on a variety of factors like

• The hospital, the patient chooses.

• Room –Standard single room, deluxe room, super deluxe room for the number of nights specified (including nursing fee, meals, room rate, and room service).

• Fee for the team of doctors and OT charges

• cost of  medications

• Standard test and diagnostic procedures.

• Cost of the follow –up care required after the procedure

• Physiotherapist cost

Spine Decompression - Overview - 6.5 Minutes Video