Laminectomy (vertebral lamina surgery) is a surgical procedure for the removal of two small bones forming the vertebrae of the spine called lamina. Laminectomy is also benefited for the removal of bone spurs from the back. It is intended to alleviate the pressure on the spinal nerves or column (backbone) with this procedure.

 

Patients experience a series of symptoms before this procedure including the following:

• Leg pain
• Numbness in the legs
• Weakness in the legs or hips
• Weight in the legs or hips
• Increase in the symptoms while standing or walking
• Weakness in bowel or urinary bladder control

These symptoms are caused by a discomfort called spinal stenosis. The symptoms of spinal stenosis typically worsen over time. If the symptoms of this disorder become severe or begin to interfere with the person's daily life, usually surgical intervention is recommended.

• Duration of the Procedure: 1-3 hours
• Duration of Hospital Stay: Most of the patients are discharged from care within 1-3 days after the procedure.
• The patient's recovery time before traveling to his/her country: In most cases, the patients, who want to be performed laminectomy through health tourism, can return to their country within 2-4 days after the procedure.
• Travelling Recommendations: It is important to be careful in choosing the hotel for the patients, who aim to be performed laminectomy through health tourism. It is likely to stay at least one night in the hotel after being discharged from the hospital. Please ask for room on the first floor or close to the elevator when making your reservation. Also, ask for a room with disabled access so you can have the necessary facilities and opportunities in your recuperation period.

 

Details of the Procedure

You will be under general anesthesia during the surgery. You are laid to the operating table in prone position. Surgical site is prepared for the procedure with a sterile drape and antiseptic fluid.

The surgeon begins the procedure by performing an incision in the middle of your back or in your neck. Skin, muscles and ligament (bone connective tissue) are pulled aside carefully. Your lamina bones are partially or fully removed. Disk fragments, bone spurs and damaged soft tissues are removed.

The surgeon also removes the pointed portion of the spine called spinous at the same time. Then, the spinal column opening is made wider in order to create more space for the spinal nerves. In some cases, the surgeon may perform spinal fusion to ensure the stability of the spine.

 

After the procedure

You will be taken to the recovery after the procedure. You will be under observation for approximately 2 hours, and then you will be hospitalized in a room. Analgesics are given in line with relieving your discomfort. In cases where spinal fusion is not performed, the hospital staff will help you to stand up and walk during the recovery times.

Most of the patients have difficulty in sleeping and moving after this procedure. The following recommendations can help you to rest and move easier:

• Lie in supine position by putting a pillow under your neck and your knees
• Lie a side by putting a pillow between your knees
• Tighten your abdomen before changing the position of your body or moving
• Support your body using your arms when getting out of bed
• Lean from your hips and not your waist
• Avoid your body turning from your hips and your shoulders

Many doctors recommend physical therapy after this procedure. Physical therapy can contribute to ensure the recovery and recovery of function.

 

Results

The majority of patients undergoing this surgery experience less pain after the healing period, and increase in mobility occur. Approximately 80% of patients underwent laminectomy stated that they are satisfied with the result of the procedure. However, additional surgical intervention requirement is in question later in 10% to 20% of the patients.

Additional surgical intervention may be required in the following cases:

• Re-formation of tissue, lamina causing pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves

• Spinal stenosis occuring in another part of the spine
• Non-union of the spine and formation of instability as a result of this
• The failure of the first surgery in relieving the symptoms

 

Risks and Complications

A number of risks are also in question in laminectomy as with any surgery. The most commonly encountered risks and complications are listed below:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Blood loss
• Reaction of the body to medications
• Reaction of the body to anesthesia
• Respiratory problems
• Damage in the spinal nerves
• Arterial damage
• Weakness
• Pain
• Loss of sensation
• Arising of pain or the symptoms again

 

Contact your physician in the following cases:

• Occurrence of drainage from the incision
• Loosening or dispose of stitches or clips
• The bandages becoming bloodstained
• Fever of 101⁰F (38.3⁰C) or above
• Occurrence of flushing at the incision site
• Increased Pain
• Arising of numbness in the legs, back or hips
• Loss of urination ability
• Loss of bowel or urinary bladder control
• Pain, swelling or flushing in one of the legs
• Arising of severe headache