What is Laminectomy ? Cost of Laminectomy in India?
December 9, 2020 Bone Health 815 ViewsLaminectomy Meaning
Laminectomy is a type of surgical procedure, also known as decompression surgery, in which the lamina is removed. The lamina is a part of the vertebral bone that forms and surrounds the posterior wall of the spinal cord. A laminectomy is usually performed to treat spinal stenosis, a condition that causes the opening of the spinal canal that causes pressure on the spinal cord. Spinal stenosis can be of two types, depending on its location in the spine. Such as lumbar spinal stenosis – in this type of stenosis, there is a narrowing of the spine in the lower back. Cervical spinal stenosis- shows the narrowing of the spinal cord in the neck. It has adverse effects and is, therefore, comparatively slightly more severe. Let us know about the procedure, complication and cost of Laminectomy.
- What is Laminectomy?
- Why is Laminectomy Done?
- How to take care after a Laminectomy?
- What are the Complications of Laminectomy?
- What is the Cost of Laminectomy in India?
What is Laminectomy?
If the patient is diagnosed with spinal stenosis, then laminectomy is required. Spinal stenosis may require surgery based on the following symptoms.
- Like – numbness,
- Pain and spasm in the back
- Pain in feet, thighs, neck, shoulders, or arms
- Problems related to bowel and bladder control
- Pain that is not continuous and occurs while doing physical activities such as walking, bending, etc.
- Incidence of sciatica
- Weakness in limbs
- Problems related to balance
- Infections in the spine
- Trauma meaning spinal canal fracture
This surgery cannot be done if the spine is unstable or there is severe scoliosis.
Why is Laminectomy Done?
The patient is diagnosed before performing laminectomy. A physical examination of the patient with spinal stenosis is done by the doctor. In this, the doctor may ask the patient to perform simple activities such as walking, standing, bending forward and backward, and then a diagnosis is made based on the location and intensity of the pain. Also, an X-ray may be done to see the change in the size and shape of the vertebrae. Apart from this, some other tests are also performed.
- Electromyography (EMG) – An EMG helps to evaluate the health condition of muscles and nerves affected by stenosis.
- CT Scan – In a CT scan a dye is injected into the spinal canal that helps to detect, whether the problem is bone-related or soft tissue-related such as disc herniation and ligament hypertrophy.
- MRI Scan – MRI scan uses radio waves to take pictures of the spine and helps to identify any changes such as damage to the disc or other spinal abnormalities.
Surgery
- For treatment, the patient is first given general anesthesia, so that the patient is unconscious and does not feel any pain.
- Mechanical ventilation is used during the surgery to aid breathing.
- During the surgery, vital signs such as heart rate are constantly monitored.
- The surgeon makes an incision on the affected area on the back. Then he moves the muscles and other tissues away to get a better view of the spine.
- The surgeon then removes the lamina or any bone spurs or ligaments that are compressing the nerves. The amount of lamina removed depends on the patient’s condition. The incision is then closed by suturing.
How to take care after a Laminectomy?
The patient takes a little longer to recover after laminectomy surgery. According to the doctor, it takes at least four to five months or a year for the bones to heal completely. However, one should go to the clinic regularly for examination. After reaching home, if the patient experiences any kind of pain or discomfort, then he should immediately call his doctor.
After getting discharged from the hospital, the doctor can advise the patient to keep the following information in mind.
- For example, after surgery, it may take some time for the patient to get the right support of the waist while walking, getting up, or sitting. Therefore, he can wear a belt to support the waist.
- After surgery, the patient should ask the doctor about when to take a bath as surgical wounds usually take a week to dry.
- The patient should quit smoking and alcohol as these bad habits may slow down the recovery process of the patient.
- The patient should not sit in one position for more than half an hour and avoid sleeping in a position that can cause pain and discomfort.
- Few weeks after the surgery, the patient should try to walk and also climb up and down the stairs.
- The patient should not lift more than four kilos of weight after the surgery as it can have an adverse effect on the back.
- Avoid playing such sports that require too much running or jumping. Avoid racing, swimming, etc.
- Talk to a doctor about your physical activity i.e., fulfilling your sexual desire.
What are the Complications of Laminectomy?
As with any major surgery, there are some associated risks, similarly, laminectomy may also have some potential risks and complications. Let us explain further.
- Extreme blood loss
- Risk of infection
- Having a heart attack or stroke
- Risk of damage to the spinal cord which can cause a serious problem
- Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid
- Blood clots that can travel into the lungs resulting in pulmonary embolism
- Reaction to the drugs used in surgery
What is the Cost of Laminectomy in India?
The total cost of a laminectomy surgery in India can range from around 2,30,000 to 3,90,000 INR. However, there are many highly skilled doctors in Indian hospitals who specialize in laminectomy surgery. But the cost varies across different hospitals. If you want to get more information regarding the cost of laminectomy surgery and doctors in good hospitals, then click here.
If you come from abroad, in addition to the cost of laminectomy surgery, there will be the cost of staying at the hotel, the cost of traveling, etc. After the surgery, the patient is kept in the hospital for five to twelve days for recovery, so all the expenses average around 4,83,547 INR. If you want to get more information about this, then click here.
If you want to get more information about Laminectomy treatment, then you can contact the best Spine Surgeon here.
We only aim to give you information through this article. We do not recommend any medication or treatment. Only a doctor can give you good advice because no one else is better than them.
