Lumbar laminectomy is a back surgery procedure which is designed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord (or nerve) from herniated discs, spinal stenosis and other related conditions. Laminectomy means removal of the lamina.
Also known as lumbar decompression, this procedure is effectively for most lower back condition such as stenosis or bulging discs. Stenosis occurs when the spinal canal begins to narrow, compressing the spinal nerves. This is usually due to natural aging processes or osteoporosis. Bulging discs or herniated discs occur when the padding between the vertebrae that acts as shock absorbers (the discs) either bulge outward toward the spinal nerves or actually come out, pushing on the spinal nerves.
Today, a lumbar laminectomy may be performed using minimally invasive spine surgery, a treatment that involves small incisions and muscle dilation, allowing the surgeon to gently separate the muscles surrounding the spine rather than cutting them. The goal of a laminectomy is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve by widening the spinal canal. This is done by removing or trimming the lamina (roof) of the vertebrae to create more room for the nerves. This may be done with or without fusing vertebrae or removing part of a disc. Various devices, such as screws or rods, may be used to obtain a solid fusion and support unstable areas of the spine.
Its depend to the pre-operative condition and age of the patients for ability to return to their normal activity. Normally, the operation patients shall be in the hospital for one to three days and during that times, patients are encouraged to walk directly following the procedure.
For more detail about this surgery procedure and other related information, visit Lumbar Laminectomy website.
