Alex What is a laminectomy back surgery?
Laminectomy is a type of surgery in which a surgeon removes part or all of the vertebral bone (lamina). This helps ease pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots that may be caused by injury, herniated disk, narrowing of the canal (spinal stenosis), or tumors.
How long does a spinal laminectomy surgery take?
How long is laminectomy surgery? The surgery usually takes around two hours but can take longer if it is part of a more complex procedure or if many levels need to be addressed.
How painful is a lumbar laminectomy?
You can expect your back to feel stiff or sore after surgery. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. You may have trouble sitting or standing in one position for very long and may need pain medicine in the weeks after your surgery.
Does lumbar laminectomy weaken the spine?
Surgical treatments to an affected vertebral level may cause the adjacent vertebra to degenerate, eventually leading to instability. Continued neurogenic claudication. Leg pain while walking or bending the spine backward may sometimes continue even after a successful laminectomy surgery.
How soon can you walk after a laminectomy?
This is usually 2 to 3 weeks after a laminectomy and discectomy and 4 to 6 weeks after a lumbar fusion. Narcotic pain medications will delay your reflex time. Begin with short trips first and get out of the car every 30 to 45 minutes to walk around and reposition.
Is lumbar laminectomy major surgery?
Laminectomy is a common but major surgery with significant risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options available.
How long is recovery after lumbar laminectomy?
After a minor (decompressive) laminectomy, you are usually able to return to light activity (desk work and light housekeeping) within a few days to a few weeks. If you also had spinal fusion with your laminectomy, your recovery time will likely be longer — from two to four months.
What is the success rate of a lumbar laminectomy?
The success rate of a lumbar laminectomy to alleviate leg pain from spinal stenosis is generally favorable. Research suggests: 85% to 90% of lumbar central spinal stenosis patients find relief from leg pain after an open laminectomy surgery.
How successful is lumbar laminectomy?
Success Rates of Lumbar Laminectomy for Spinal Stenosis Research suggests: 85% to 90% of lumbar central spinal stenosis patients find relief from leg pain after an open laminectomy surgery. 75% of patients may have satisfactory outcomes for up to 10 years postoperatively.
Should I have a lumbar laminectomy?
Your doctor may recommend laminectomy if: Conservative treatment, such as medication or physical therapy, fails to improve your symptoms. You have muscle weakness or numbness that makes standing or walking difficult. You experience loss of bowel or bladder control.
Do you need physical therapy after a laminectomy?
In general, you should expect to start physical therapy 4 to 6 weeks after your lumbar laminectomy or discectomy. If there were any post-operative complications like infection or excessive bleeding, then you may need to wait a bit longer.
How successful is laminectomy surgery?
The success percentage of the traditional laminectomy procedure is only 64%.