Lumbar Laminectomy Spine Surgery

Q1 What are laminae?

 

A1 Laminae (Lamina;Singular) are the bony part of the vertebra that form the roof of the spinal canal and protect the spinal cord and the spinal nerve roots exiting from it. Each vertebra has two laminae and they join to form the roof of the spinal canal. 

 

Q2 What is spinal canal?

 

A2 A long hollow tunnel or cavity formed at the back of the vertebral coloumn when the vertebrae are stacked one above the other. The spinal cord runs through this canal.

 

Q3 What is meant by Spinal stenosis?

 

A3 Spinal stenosis is a medical condition which is characterized by abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal resulting in the undue pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots exiting from it. It may occur at any level in the spine. When it happens in the neck area, it is better known as Cervical spinal stenosis. This is rare. If stenosis happens to be in the lower back or lumbar region, it is called Lumbar spinal stenosis. Nearly 75% of the spinal stenosis occur in the lower back or Lumbar vertebra. Spinal stenosis is considered as one of the most common reason for the spine surgery.

 

Q4 What are the causes of spinal stenosis?

 

A4 The causes of the spinal stenosis can be classified into two main groups:

1. Congenital-present right from the birth
2. Acquired- Develop later in life

Acquired causes can be further classified into:

1. Degenerative changes in the structure of the vertebral coloumn
   1. ​Thickened ligaments(tough strong tissue connecting bones) in the spine
   2. Formation of the bony spurs(abnormal bony growths) that may occupy spinal canal
   3. Herniated or bulging disc
2. Arthritis 
   1. Osteoarthritis
   2. Rheumatoid arthritis
3. Miscellaneous causes
   • Spinal tumor
   • Injury
   • Spinolisthesis

 

Q5 How is Lumbar Laminectomy spine surgery carried out?

 

A5 Lumbar laminectomy may be advised by your surgeon in case of spinal stenosis(abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal) in the lower back area. It involves the surgical removal of the whole or part of the laminae(part of the vertebra) to widen the spinal canal and give more space to the spinal cord and the spinal nerve root resulting in the immediate alleviation of the symptoms associated with the compression of the spinal nerve roots and the spinal cord.

If a herniated disc is present, your surgeon may simulteneously perform discectomy to remove the source of the nerve compression right away. Laminectomy may be required in the neck region(cervical laminectomy) or lower back(Lumbar laminectomy) at a single vertebral or multiple vertebral level.

 

During Lumbar laminectomy, patient is made to lie on his/her stomach or side.A small incision is made over the affected area of the spine. Muscles are retracted back to the side to view the surgical site. Part or whole of the lamina is removed with the help of a bone drill;spinal canal seen and the source of the nerve compression like a herniated disc is removed.

Once done, the incision is closed with stitches.

 

Q6 What kind of anesthesia is required?

 

A6 Either general or spinal anesthesia may be given by your surgeon. Under general anesthesia patient would be asleep at the time of the surgery. Under spinal anesthesia, the patient would be awake during the surgery,however, the area where the surgeon would be working, would be made numb and there would be no sensation in the lower part of your body.

 

Q7 How much time does Lumbar laminectomy take?

 

A7 Lumbar Laminectomy usually takes around 1 to 3 hrs.

 

Q8 Who is an ideal candidate for the surgery?

 

A8 Anyone who has shown no relief in the symptoms even after 6 weeks of treatment with non surgical modalities such as pain medication, physiotherapy,epidural injection of steroids and an exact cause of the problem is elucidated through investigations such as MRI, then only the surgery can be considered as a viable option. The final decision whether surgery is the right option for you or not, lies with your team of specialists after evaluating your medical reports and your clinical examination.

 

Lumbar Laminectomy Spine surgery in India

• Spine surgery at the most affordable cost.

• Minimally invasive and endoscopic spine surgery techniques are being carried out to give maximum benefit to the patient such as quick recovery,short or no hospital stay,minimal scar formation which is aesthetically good and early resumption of activities.

• Best hospitals in India for spine surgery with state of the art infrastructure and most advanced technology in place

• Globally trained and highly experienced spine surgeons

• High success rate

• Great ambience

• Compassionate staff to look after

• Hospitals accredited with international organizations such as JCI(Joint commission International) for quality standards.

• FDA approved device is used. 

• Language no barrier. English speaking people and if required, translators are available for your convenience.

• Most economical accommodation available at a walking distance from the hospital. Wide range of options starting from guest house, service apartments to five star hotels, best suited to your budget and choice.

• Good flight connectivity

• India has a diverse and rich cultural heritage. You can witness its beauty and uniqueness. It offers most conducive environment for recuperation.

Dr K.S Narang

M.B.B.S,M.S(GeneralSurgery), M.Ch (Neurosurgery)

IGASS Spine Fellow Klinikum rechts der Isar Department of Neurosurgery, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery,Wooridul Spine Hospital, Seoul, Korea

Consultant – Neurosurgeon, Institute of Neurosciences

Medanta – The Medicity,Gurgaon,Delhi-NCR

Dr Sudhir Dubey
MBBS, M.S, MCh(Neurosurgery)
Fellowship in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery UPMC, Pittsburgh, USA
Additional Director,Neurosurgery
Institute of Neurosciences
Medanta – The Medicity,Gurgaon,Delhi-NCR