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Lumbar Decompression
(Laminectomy)
What is it?
This operation involves making space for the trapped nerve roots of the spinal cord, most commonly for spinal stenosis. It is performed through an incision in the back and is 95% to 98% effective in eliminating leg pain caused by compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. Multiple levels of stenosis may be treated at the same time.
What happens on the day?
The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and we therefore ask patients to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 6 hours prior to the injection. Water however is allowed up to 2 hours before admission.
Upon admission, the patient will be seen by the ward nurse, the anaesthetist and Mr. Lau himself. Informed consent will be obtained and a mark placed on the back to confirm the correct site of the operation. The patient will be given a general anaesthetic and carefully positioned on their front for the operation which will be guided by a specialised X-ray machine.
An incision is made directly over the stenosed spine and a small window created to allow access to the trapped nerve roots or spinal cord. Mr. Lau routinely does this operation by dissecting down only one side of the spine and conserving the spinous processes. This aides a quick recovery and reduces post-operative pain. Excess bone and overgrown ligament is carefully removed to allow plenty of space for the neural structures to pass through.
Patients will wake up in the recovery area and a tube to drain blood away from the operation site will be in place. This will be removed the following day. Patients can mobilise immediately following surgery and commonly be discharged the following day with advice regarding activities.
Follow up
Typically, a routine follow-up appointment is made for 6 weeks. During this time patients are asked to avoid any over-exertion, heavy lifting and straining of their backs to allow the wound to heal. If there are any signs of foul smell, discharge, redness or swelling at the operation site, worsening or recurrent sciatica, then early medical attention should be sought.