How long does it take to recover from a laminectomy?

What is the success rate of a laminectomy?

Laminectomy Surgery Procedure

Laminectomy is surgery that creates space by removing the lamina  the back part of a vertebra that covers your spinal canal. Also known as decompression surgery, laminectomy enlarges your spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

This pressure is most commonly caused by bony overgrowths within the spinal canal, which can occur in people who have arthritis in their spines. These overgrowths are sometimes referred to as bone spurs, but they’re a normal side effect of the aging process in some people.

Laminectomy is generally used only when more-conservative treatments  such as medication, physical therapy or injections  have failed to relieve symptoms. Laminectomy may also be recommended if symptoms are severe or worsening dramatically.

 This can cause:

A laminectomy is only used if your symptoms interfere with daily life. It’s performed when less invasive treatments have failed.

This surgery is also called:

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Why Is a Laminectomy Performed?

A laminectomy is often done to relieve the effects of spinal stenosis. In this condition, your spinal column narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Spinal stenosis may be caused by:

Before Laminectomy

Before your laminectomy, you should receive detailed instructions on how to prepare from your surgeon’s staff during one of your office visits. Here’s what you should do and plan for before the surgery:

On the day of your laminectomy:

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Laminectomy risks

Laminectomy is generally a safe procedure. But as with any surgery, complications may occur. Potential complications include:

During Laminectomy

Most laminectomies are performed with general anesthesia and mechanical ventilation. Here’s what will happen:

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After laminectomy

After surgery, you’re moved to a recovery room where the health care team watches for complications from the surgery and anesthesia. You may also be asked to move your arms and legs. Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain at the incision site.

You might go home the same day as the surgery, although some people may need a short hospital stay. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy after a laminectomy to improve your strength and flexibility.

Depending on the amount of lifting, walking and sitting your job involves, you may be able to return to work within a few weeks. If you also have spinal fusion, your recovery time will be longer.

Activity in General:

1st Week Post-Operative:

2nd Week Post-Operative:

3rd Week Post-Operative:

4th Week Post-Operative:

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Is a laminectomy a major surgery?

Laminectomy is a common but major surgery with significant risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options available. Consider getting a second opinion about all of your treatment choices before having a laminectomy.

How long does it take to recover from a laminectomy?

It depends on the extent of your surgery and your situation. 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. You may not be able to lift and bend for 2-3 months. Start light walking for exercise and physical therapy exercises as soon as your doctor says you’re ready. This will help speed your recovery. You may not know if your back pain is better until 6 weeks or more after the surgery.

What is the success rate of a laminectomy?

Laminectomy is generally a safe procedure. But as with any surgery, complications may occur.  Laminectomy has about an 80 percent success rate at improving walking abilities.

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