Laminectomy surgery: How It Helps You?

What is Laminectomy surgery?

Laminectomy surgery is also known as decompression surgery, lumbar laminectomy or cervical laminectomy. Laminectomy is a surgical procedure which is performed to remove the lamina. Lamina is a part of the bone that makes up a vertebra in the spine. Laminectomy surgery is performed to remove the bone spurs in the spine. Laminectomy surgery can take pressure off the patient’s spinal nerves or spinal cord by relieving the pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. The pressure is generally buildup by bony overgrowths within the spinal canal, which can occur in people who are suffering from severe arthritis in their spines. Laminectomy surgery is generally recommended to patients in case if more-conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy or injections failed to relieve the patients from the symptoms. Laminectomy is recommended to patients if symptoms are severe or worsening dramatically with time.

Why Is a Laminectomy Performed?

Laminectomy is performed to relieve the patient from the symptoms and effects of spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal column narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Following are some of the conditions which are caused by Spinal stenosis:-

• The shrinking of the discs of the spine.
• Achondroplasia.
• Tumor in the spine.
• Swelling of the bones and ligaments.
• A congenital defect such as abnormal growth of the spine.
• Herniated or slipped disc.
• Arthritis in the spine.
• Paget’s disease of the bones, which is a condition in which bones grow improperly
• Traumatic injury.

How is Laminectomy surgery performed?

The entire procedure takes around two to three hours. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. While performing this surgery the surgeon initially cleans the site of the surgical procedure with an antiseptic solution to prevent the bacterial infection. The surgeon then makes a small incision in the middle of the back or neck and moves the muscles and ligaments aside for a better access. The surgeon then removes the bone spurs or small disk fragments and closes the incision with stitches. While performing this surgery the surgeon may also perform a spinal fusion procedure in which two or more bones are connected in the back for better stabilization of the spine. The surgeon may also perform foraminotomy to widen the area where the nerve roots go through the spine.

Risk of Laminectomy surgery

Following are some of the risks and complications that are involved in Laminectomy surgery:-

• Damage to a spinal nerve.
• Infection in the surgical site.
• Cerebrospinal fluid leak 
• Nerve injury.
• Worsening of back pain.
• Pulmonary embolism.
• Difficulty in Breathing. 
• Blood loss.
• Heart attack.
• Persist pain after surgery.
• Stroke.
• A blood clot in the legs.
• Spinal fluid leak.
• Bowel or bladder incontinence.
• Reaction to medication.
• Infection in the vertebral bones.

Laminectomy surgery in India with Travcure

India is one of the prime destination for medical tourism. Many patients from different countries come to India and avail the medical facilities at the most affordable costs. Travcure medical tourism company in India helps their patients to find the best surgeons and healthcare facility in India. Travcure has an association with the best and top most healthcare facility and surgeons in India. Travcure takes care of every need of the patient’s right from the arrival till departure. Food, accommodation, logistics and luxurious visits to exotic locations are some of the services offered by Travcure. Travcure is a one-stop shop for people who are looking for the best medical treatments at the most affordable costs.