Minimally invasive laminectomy procedures are used to provide relief from painful spinal compression, also known as stenosis. Compression is created when material within the spinal canal presses on the spinal cord and nerves that run down the central spine. By removing the material creating pressure, the surgeon is able to alleviate the patient’s pain and forestall potentially serious symptoms. A minimally invasive laminectomy offers a shorter recovery period, reduced chance of infection and less pain overall. To find out more about if a minimally invasive laminectomy is right for your needs, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health by calling Call407-303-5452.
What Does Laminectomy Mean?
Laminectomy is a compound word. Lamina is the name given to the outer bony covering of the outside dome of a vertebra. “Ectomy” means to remove. In essence, the surgeon removes this outer covering in order to enter the interior of the vertebra, where the spinal canal is located. This is necessary to provide access to the materials causing compression.
What Causes Compression?
Spinal stenosis (compression) can be caused by a number of different conditions. The most common is a herniated disc. In this situation, the herniated material of the disc bulges out and presses on the nerves in the spine. Some material may actually come away from the disc and press on the nerves. Another cause of spinal compression is the overgrowth of bone within the spinal canal – these are called bone spurs, and they can be extremely painful. A minimally invasive laminectomy allows the surgeon to remove these problems.
How Does the Surgery Work?
During a minimally invasive laminectomy, Dr. Chetan Patel will perform the procedure at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health. This is an outpatient procedure, requiring only a local anesthetic, so you will be conscious the entire time. Once the anesthetic has been administered, the surgeon will use micro-tools to enter the body and access the spine. Dilators are used to gradually separate the muscle tissues so no cutting is involved. Once the surgery is over, the muscles will be moved back in place, as well.
After accessing the vertebra, Dr. Patel will use computer imaging to guide the surgical tools to the vertebra’s lamina. Here, a window will be cut, providing access to the interior of the vertebra. Once the window is open, the herniated area of the disc can be removed, any debris in the spinal canal can be removed, and bone spurs can be cut away. After all the problem areas have been treated, the spine will be reclosed and the small incision will be sutured or closed with a small bandage (most incisions are an inch or less in size).
Recovery Times
Recovery from minimally invasive surgery is very fast. Most patients will be sent home as soon as the anesthesia has worn off and the surgeon has verified the condition of the surgery site. Most patients will begin an exercise regimen the following day, and pain relief is experienced before even being discharged.
For more information about whether a minimally invasive laminectomy is right for your situation, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health by calling Call407-303-5452.