Laminectomy
The spinal cord is inside a closed chamber called the spinal canal, which is made up of a series of bony rings behind each vertebra. Sometimes the spinal cord is put under pressure inside this bony ring, or the nerve roots that come out of the spinal cord are put under pressure as it leaves this bony ring.
This pressure is due to the narrowing of the spinal canal and the limitation of the inner space of this bony ring and can have different causes, the most important of which are:
- Intervertebral disc herniation
- The growth of extra bones called osteophytes or spores into the spinal canal
- Thickening of the ligaments around the spinal canal
- Moving the beads and sliding them on top of each other
Narrowing of the space puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots and causes symptoms. A good way to relieve pressure on the nerve is to remove part of the bony ring. This lamina is more accessible than any other part. By removing the lamina, you can open the closed bone ring on one side, thus reducing the pressure on the spinal cord and nerve.
Laminectomy is a type of surgery used to reduce pressure on the nerve roots that protrude from the spine. In this type of surgery, a part of the bone called the lamina that is placed on the nerve is removed to put less pressure on it.
Essential points before laminectomy:
Prior to laminectomy, the patient should not take anticoagulants (such as aspirin or heparin, warfarin, or salarban). These drugs need to be stopped for a week. But the day after surgery, the patient can use these drugs. In general, smoking is not recommended for patients undergoing laminectomy because smoking closes the small arteries of the bones in the spine and causes Bone anemia and non-healing wounds and increased infection after disc surgery.
Care after laminectomy :
Usually after laminectomy, the patient can walk with a belt. After four days when the patient is discharged from the hospital, he can go to the bathroom. It is necessary to avoid doing heavy work for a month. There is usually no need to change the dressing after discharge from the hospital. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and avoid smoking. Sexual and marital activity is usually free two weeks after surgery. If you see red discharge and pain at the operation site, you need to see a doctor. An important issue after surgery is wearing a belt, which allows the muscles to fully adhere to the vertebrae and heal well. In more developed countries, where nursing teams visit patients' homes, the patient is usually discharged the day after the laminectomy and treatment is continued at the patient's home.