Laminectomy

Laminectomy surgery is an operation that removes a portion of the vertebral bone. Laminectomy in Israel is usually performed to decompress the nerve roots of the spinal cord, for this purpose Herzliya Medical Center private hospital uses a minimally invasive endoscopic technique. The advantage of a minimally invasive method is minimal damage to the soft tissue surrounding the vertebrae.

The compression of the spinal cord or spinal nerves can be caused by an overgrowth of the bone vertebra. As a result of the latter, one can develop a condition characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal, technically called spinal stenosis. Another common cause of compression is a herniated disc. A displaced intervertebral disc compresses the spinal cord, extending from the nerves, causing pain, weakness, and numbness in the upper or lower limbs. This condition is called radicular syndrome.
Laminectomy in Israel is used in most cases as a treatment for radicular syndrome. For the treatment of back pain, other spinal surgeries or conservative measures are carried out. Laminectomy is mainly performed in the most mobile parts of the spine – cervical laminectomy or lumbar laminectomy.

Indications for laminectomy

Neurosurgery in Israel practicing laminectomy is performed when the following indications occur:

• Lack of satisfactory effect of drug therapy or physiotherapy
• Progressive muscle weakness, resulting in broken limbs and motoric disabilities
• Loss of control of bladder or rectum sphincters

 Laminectomy in Israel

Spinal surgery in most cases is performed under general anesthesia. During a laminectomy, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back’s skin, pushing aside the muscles, and exposing the vertebrae. Then, with special miniature instruments, it excises the vertebral arch. If a laminectomy is performed to remove a herniated disc (discectomy), after the excision of the bow, the surgeon removes the damaged disc, and its split-off fragments.

In the case of the displacement of the vertebrae or curvature of the spine, laminectomy in Israel includes measures to stabilize the spine. For this purpose, locking devices are installed – plates, screws, or rods – with which the surgeon holds rigidly together the two adjacent vertebrae. To make up for the defects of the vertebrae bone grafts can be used.

Upon completion of the operation, the surgeon fixes the layers with sutures or staples.

Rehabilitation after laminectomy

After surgery, the patient is in the intensive care unit, where his / her condition is monitored by the medical personnel. After awakening from anesthesia and the stabilization of vital signs of the patient, he/ she is transferred to the department. Hospitalization after laminectomy in Israel lasts from 24 hours to 3 days.

In the early postoperative period, the patient is in need of analgesics, the dose of which the doctor gradually reduces. To ease the intensity of the pain in the first days after surgery it is recommended to sleep in a lateral position by putting a pillow under the head and knees and a soft cushion under the back.

To restore muscle tone, flexibility, and mobility of the spine, it is necessary to perform special gymnastics and physiotherapy treatments. For a few weeks after the operation, it is prohibited to lift weights or anything heavy; it is also recommended to avoid a sitting position for more than an hour.

Recovery after laminectomy takes a few weeks, this period is vital in order to stabilize the spine. Depending on the nature of their work, patients need to be off from work for a period of 2 to 6 weeks.

Neurosurgeons in Israel recommend laminectomy as an effective means of treatment for radicular syndrome. In cases where the compression of the spinal cord is caused by chronic progressive diseases (e.g., arthritis), or age-related changes, sometimes the patient can experience a re-development of compression after the operation. In most cases, laminectomy boasts successful results. Most of the patients at Herzliya Medical Center, the leading private hospital, note a significant reduction in the intensity of the pain and good quality of life after the operation.