Laminectomy Complications

lumbar laminectomy complications

Laminectomy Risks and Complications

What are the risks and complications of a laminectomy?

As with any surgical procedure, complications can occur. Some possible complications may include:

. Bleeding

. An infection in the surgical site or vertebral bones

. Blood clots in the legs or lungs

. Wound pain

. Risks linked to the use of general anesthesia

. Damage to a spinal nerve

. Difficulty breathing

. Unsuccessful treatment, which can lead to pain that persists after surgery

. A return of back pain, particularly after spinal fusion

. A heart attack

. A stroke

. A cerebrospinal fluid leak because of a tear of the dura mater, which is the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord

. Nerve or blood vessels in the area of surgery may be injured. This can cause weakness or numbness. The pain may not be eased by the surgery or may become worse, although this is rare.

There may be other risks depending on your specific health condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the surgery.

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Risk Factors for Laminectomy Surgery

Some risk factors may increase the likelihood of complications during or after laminectomy surgery. A few examples of these risks include:

. Smoking. Smoking has been discouraged both before and after any spinal surgery, including lumbar laminectomy. Smoking may1:

. Cause post-surgical infections

. Decrease the efficacy of the surgery

. Cause pseudarthrosis or non-union of the treated segments (if fusion was performed)

. Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a bone condition that causes weak and brittle bones. This condition may cause easy fractures and breakage of bony tissue and may be a risk for laminectomy patients.

. Associated conditions. Lumbar laminectomy for spinal stenosis is typically performed in the older age group, who are prone to systemic conditions. The presence of other conditions such as heart disease or diabetes may slow down the recovery process or lead to systemic complications. Pre-existing arthritis of the facets may result in continued low back pain even after a laminectomy is successfully completed.

. Mental health issues. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues prior to a laminectomy surgery may result in poor surgical outcomes. These conditions may cause poor patient compliance, poor adherence to post-surgical rehabilitation programs, and lower pain tolerance. The overall health and improvement of the patient may be compromised.

. Previous surgeries at the same level. In general, performing a second surgery at a spinal level that had been previously operated on has a lower rate of successful outcome.

It is advisable to discuss prior health problems, concerns, and any mental health problems with the doctor before deciding to have a laminectomy surgery. In most cases, these problems can be managed with proper medical and psychological management both before and after surgery.

10 common questions about Laminectomy Complications

1How dangerous is a laminectomy?

A few potential complications of open lumbar laminectomy are: Neural tissue damage. Injury to the spinal cord's dura, cauda equina syndrome, nerve roots, and the formation of scar tissue may occur causing neural tissue damage in the lumbar spine.

2Does laminectomy weaken the spine?

Pain in the spine can restrict your ability to move and function. Laminectomy may be done to ease pressure on the spinal nerves, treat a disk problem, or remove a tumor from the spine. One common reason for having a laminectomy is a herniated disk in the spine. ... The most common symptom of a herniated disk is sciatica.

3How long does it take to recover from a laminectomy?

In general, here's what to expect: After a minor (decompressive) laminectomy, you are usually able to return to light activity (desk work and light housekeeping) within a few days to a few weeks. If you also had spinal fusion with your laminectomy, your recovery time will likely be longer -- from two to four months.

4What is post laminectomy pain syndrome?

Post laminectomy syndrome is a condition in which the patient continues to feel pain after undergoing a correctional laminectomy or another form of back surgery.

5Does the bone grow back after a laminectomy?

Years after decompression (lumbar laminectomy), lumbar stenosis can come back (the bone can grow back) at the same level, or a new level can become stenotic and cause back pain or leg pain. ... Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS): What It Is and How to Avoid Pain after Surgery

6Is post laminectomy syndrome a disability?

Patients with post-laminectomy syndrome often live with chronic pain and disability, which can cause significant distress.Their suffering may be exacerbated by financial pressure arising from inability to sustain employment. Clearly, post-laminectomy syndrome is a challenging and costly disorder

7Is it normal to have leg pain after laminectomy?

Sometimes this is a temporary condition as the nerve root or roots take time to heal. This can take days to weeks. If the pain is still there after 3 months, it is unlikely to improve on its own. Below are a few reason why leg pain may persist after surgery.

8Is the spinous process removed in a laminectomy?

Laminectomy: The surgeon removes the bony spinous process. ... A laminectomy involves removal of the entire lamina and ligament. Multiple laminae can be removed. Laminotomy: In some cases, the surgeon may not want to remove the entire protective bony lamina.

9How long does pain last after laminectomy?

After a minor (decompressive) laminectomy, you can usually able do desk work and light housekeeping within a few days to a few weeks. If you also had spinal fusion, your recovery time will likely be longer, 2-4 months.

10Can a laminectomy be done twice?

In essence, a revision laminectomy is the same procedure as a standard laminectomy. It is simply being performed for a second time. ... Because a laminectomy can only treat the symptoms of this condition, rather than the cause, regrowth is not only possible, but likely in many circumstances.