The spine comprises 33 individual vertebrae, forming a natural tunnel shape, with the spinal cord and nerves protected at the centre. Normal wear-and-tear, an injury, or a genetic spinal disease may cause this natural column to shrink – resulting in a condition known as spinal stenosis.
A spinal laminectomy is a type of spinal decompression surgery in Singapore that treats spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal column. Depending on the affected region of the spine, the stenosis may specifically be lumbar (lower back), cervical (neck), or rarely thoracic (mid-back). Though there can be many causes of spinal stenosis, one of the most common is bone overgrowth or bone spurs related to cervical spondylosis, lumbar spondylosis, or herniated/slipped discs. These spinal conditions increase pressure on the spinal cord and can pinch nerve roots, resulting in pain or numbness.
Depending on your condition, your neurosurgeon will either make large or small incisions on your back above the treatment area. The muscles are moved away to help your neurosurgeon visualise the targeted vertebrae. Next, a small piece at the back of the vertebrae, known as the lamina, is removed. This increases the space of the spinal canal and thus reduces pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
A spinal laminectomy is usually only recommended when other non-invasive treatments have proven ineffective, or symptoms have become more severe and unbearable.
A spinal laminectomy can treat the following conditions:
These symptoms often interfere with the ability to perform normal daily tasks and can negatively impact quality of life. If you have any of the conditions listed above, make an appointment with Chou Neuroscience Clinic for customised treatment.
A spinal laminectomy is performed as an in-patient procedure in Singapore and you will be required to stay in the hospital for a few days after the procedure. You will be prescribed painkillers to help make your recovery easier. Get plenty of rest and avoid activities that pressure your spine.
You may also be required to undergo physical therapy to aid in your recovery. You will be requested to visit our clinic within a week or two for a follow-up. You will also be asked to visit us for a routine check-up to monitor your general well-being.
Recovery generally takes 4-6 weeks, depending on age, activity level before surgery, and overall health.
You should expect a significant reduction in your symptoms after a spinal laminectomy and be able to return to your normal activities once you have fully recovered.
For most patients, a single spinal laminectomy session will suffice. However, some patients with severe spinal stenosis or whose initial spinal laminectomy was unsuccessful may require more than one laminectomy procedure.
For degenerative spinal conditions such as osteoarthritis, bone spurs may continue developing over time and require a subsequent laminectomy to alleviate symptoms.
Yes, a spinal laminectomy is considered a major surgery. It is usually only performed if non-invasive and conservative treatment options have failed.
This depends on your overall health and the severity of your condition. For most individuals, healing from a spinal laminectomy takes 4-6 weeks, after which you can continue your daily activities.
Like all surgeries, a spinal laminectomy comes with some risks or possible complications; these are:
-- Bleeding
-- Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
-- Nerve damage
-- Infection
-- Blood clots
-- Spinal fluid leakage
-- Incontinence
-- Back pain
