Types of Spine Decompression Surgery

Microdiscectomy – It is one of the most minimally invasive procedures performed for leg pain (sciatica) from a lumbar herniated disc. During this surgery, the portion of the herniation that is in contact with the nerve root is removed through a relatively small incision.

Lumbar Laminectomy – An open decompression procedure is performed when lumbar spinal stenosis causes pain. During this process, the lamina (the bone in the back of the vertebra) at one or more parts is removed with the aim of reducing pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Corpectomy – The procedure is mostly used in cervical surgery to remove part of the vertebra during decompression or to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.

Laminotomy – As with a laminectomy, this operation is crucial. However, it differs from a laminectomy in that a hole is made in the lamina and a section of the lamina and ligaments is removed, usually from one side. This is so that the common support of the lamina remains. This procedure reduces the chances of postoperative spinal instability.

Foraminotomy – A bone is removed around the neural foramen to release the pinched nerve. This procedure is used due to disc deterioration of the limit of the foramen.

Diagnosis for Decompression Surgery :

• Pain, fatigue, or insensibility in the leg, neurological symptoms that are not improved by physiotherapy or medication.
• Walking or standing with difficulty affects the quality of life.
• Tests such as MRI, CT, and myelogram confirm the severity of the condition.
• Cauda equina syndrome.

Pre-operative Assessment

• Health check-up determines fitness for surgery as well as medical and surgical history.
• Blood tests.
• X-ray, MRI scan.

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During Operative  procedure

• Anesthesia – It is a procedure performed under general anesthesia.
• Cut – A skin incision is done at the bottom of the central part of your back above the suitable vertebrae. The length of the incision is determined by the number of laminectomies to be done. Effective back muscles break down the central part of the spine and reveal the laminae of each vertebra.
• Laminectomy or laminotomy – Once the bone is exposed, an X-ray is taken to verify the correct vertebra, and the lamina at one or more segments is removed.
• Decompress of the Spinal nerve.
• Closure – The muscles and the skin are stitched together with sutures or staples.
• The duration of stay in the hospital is based on the level of decompression performed. Usually, the surgery requires a hospital stay of 1 to 3 days and recovery takes 4 to 6 weeks. 10 – 14 days after surgery, you will have your stitches or staples removed.

Post-operative Restrictions :

• Avoid sitting for long periods of time.
• Do not carry anything more than 10 pounds.
• The waist should not be bent or twisted.
• Do not smoke. Smoking delays healing.

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 Complications Of  Spine Decompression Procedure

In every surgery, some of the complications include:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Chances of blood clots (DVT).
• Continued pain or numbness.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Infection in the spine.
• Nerve damage – Nerve damage or persistent pain. Any kind of operation on the spine has some risk of damaging nerves or the spinal cord. Damage can lead to numbness and even paralysis.
• Leaking of spinal fluid.

Factors Affecting Cost Of Spinal Decompression Surgery

The cost for the patient varies on different factors that include:

• The hospital, the patient chooses.
• Quality single room, luxurious room, super luxurious room (includes a nursing fee, food, room rate, and room amenities).
• Doctors and their teams’ fees and OT prices.
• Cost of medications.
• Quality tests and diagnostic procedures.
• Charges for the protection and care required after the surgery.
• Physiotherapist cost.