Name of the Procedure:

Laminectomy with exploration and/or decompression of spinal cord and/or cauda equina, without facetectomy, foraminotomy or discectomy, more than 2 vertebral segments; cervical.

Summary

A cervical laminectomy is a surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or cauda equina caused by spinal stenosis. This procedure involves removing the lamina, a part of the vertebra, across multiple segments without involving facetectomy, foraminotomy, or discectomy.

Purpose

This surgery aims to alleviate symptoms caused by spinal stenosis, such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, arms, or hands. The goal is to decompress the spinal cord and nerve roots to improve function and reduce pain.

Indications

• Chronic neck pain unresponsive to other treatments
• Numbness or weakness in the arms or hands
• Difficulty walking or issues with balance
• Symptoms of spinal cord compression such as bladder or bowel dysfunction

Preparation

• Preoperative fasting as instructed by the healthcare provider
• Adjustment or discontinuation of certain medications, such as blood thinners
• Preoperative imaging studies like MRI or CT scans
• Blood tests and an overall health assessment

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned and given general anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the back of the neck.
3. Muscles and tissues are carefully moved to expose the spine.
4. The surgeon removes the lamina from the affected vertebrae to create more space for the spinal cord and nerve roots.
5. The surgical site is inspected for proper decompression.
6. The incision is closed with sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on the number of segments involved.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a hospital operating room or a specialized surgical center.

Personnel

• Spine Surgeon
• Surgical Nurses
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical Technologists

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Spinal fluid leakage
• Persistent pain or worsening of symptoms

Benefits

• Relief from pain and numbness
• Improved mobility and function
• Enhanced quality of life
• Reduction in symptoms of spinal cord compression

Recovery

• Initial recovery in the hospital for 1-3 days
• Pain management with prescribed medications
• Physical therapy may be recommended
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for several weeks
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing

Alternatives

• Conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or spinal injections
• Alternative surgical options like discectomy, foraminotomy, or spinal fusion
• Evaluation of the pros and cons with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action

Patient Experience

Patients can expect to experience some discomfort and pain at the incision site post-surgery. Pain management strategies will be employed, and patients may feel an improvement in their symptoms within days to weeks. Full recovery and resumption of normal activities may take several weeks to months.