Decompressive Spinal Surgery for back pain part 2

What is Laminectomy?

Laminectomy involves removal of the entire roof (lamina) along with adjacent joint segment and ligaments over the spinal cord. This procedure is often done when the spinal stenosis is long and there is extensive narrowing.

What is laminotomy?

Laminotomy involves removal of a small piece of the lamina and ligaments on one side. Today, this procedure is often performed using a camera and a very tiny incision.

What is Foraminotomy?

Foraminotomy is removal of the bone where the nerve exits the spinal cord. It is often combined with the above two procedures and is helpful to relieve pressure from a pinched nerve.

What is laminoplasty?

Laminoplasty is a procedure done in the neck area to increase room in the spinal canal.

What is spinal fusion?

Spinal fusion may be done with any of the above procedures. When bone is removed from the back, instability can result. To prevent instability, the surgeon may fuse the back using bone grafts or metal rods. Fusion also prevents restenosis of the spinal canal from recurring.

Is spinal decompression surgery an emergency?

Unless one has cauda equina syndrome (a disorder where there is severe compression of the nerves which results in loss of bowel and bladder control), all back surgery is strictly elective.

Because there are side effects and possible complications, it is important to discuss with the surgeon what the best procedure is for your back. One should remember that no matter what type of decompressive surgery, only the symptoms are relieved. Disorders like arthritis will continue to progress.

Final Word

The overall results of spinal surgery are terrible. It is hard to meet anyone today who has had successful spine surgery. So do not rush for surgery, no matter how nice the surgeon looks or talks. Spine surgery is big business for the doctors. It is an expensive undertaking, is associated with many complications and there is no guarantee it will work. You do no get any refunds.