Any kind of surgery can seem frightening. You’re vulnerable, and anesthesia alone carries some risks. But, if surgical intervention can offer you a higher quality of life, it’s often worth the worry and the risk.
At Orthocenter, our providers are experts and approach each patient individually. You can expect our physicians to consider your unique circumstances and to weigh the potential risks and benefits before suggesting spinal surgery. With that in mind, you may still feel anxious thinking about having a laminectomy.
The word “laminectomy” means removal of the lamina, but what is a lamina?
People often consider a vertebra a donut-shaped bone, but that’s not precisely right. A donut is round with smooth sides, whereas a vertebra is round, but only half is smooth. On the side that faces inward, there are three bony protrusions.
Imagine a circle with three branches on one side. That’s what a single vertebra, viewed from above, looks like.
The two protrusions on either side are called transverse processes, and the one in the center is the spinous process. Your lamina is the small piece of the circle of bone that connects them.
When you have a laminectomy, your surgeon removes a small part of that piece of bone.
Your spinal column is the hollow space in the center of your vertebrae. Your spinal cord runs through it, surrounded by spinal fluid. Peripheral nerves branch off throughout your spine, connecting everything from your fingers and toes to your brain.
As you age, your spinal column can narrow, a condition called spinal stenosis. When it becomes too narrow, it can press on your nerves and cause problems like:
Having a laminectomy can relieve the pressure on your nerves and ease the symptoms associated with spinal stenosis.
The procedure is also sometimes performed to address issues like bone spurs on the vertebrae or small fragments of the discs between the vertebrae.
Before your procedure, we’ll give you thorough individual instructions, including whether you should or should not take your regular medications. We also make sure you have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
During your procedure, you’ll be under general anesthesia. Depending on your situation, you may be able to go home the day of your surgery. If that’s the case, you’ll need someone to drive you and help you for at least a few hours.
Some people go home after a day or two in the hospital. You’ll still need someone to drive you, and you may need assistance at home.
We provide instructions on how to care for your incision and anything important to watch for. Most people can return to driving within a week or two and to light work within about four weeks.
The good news is that, for most people, laminectomy provides complete or near-complete relief from the symptoms caused by spinal stenosis.
If you still feel nervous about your procedure, we encourage you to keep a list of questions to ask during your next appointment. All of the providers at all Orthocenter locations are happy to answer questions.
