Spinal Decompression Surgery

Spinal Decompression surgery (laminectomy) allows surgeons to access the spinal cord and relieve pressure from any pinched nerves or herniated disc. The procedure can be carried anywhere along the spine, stretching from neck (cervical) to lower back (lumbar). By adopting either an anterior (from front of the body) or a posterior approach (going through the back of the body) the lamina is removed and the bone spurs (osteophytes) are taken out. A one vertebra (single-level) or more (multi-level) approachcan be adopteddepending on extent of stenosis.

• Procedure

Spinal decompression surgery can take up to an hour in most cases but then it may take much longer for more complex cases. Surgeons perform the most desirable procedure based on the diagnosis of the patient. The procedure relieves the pressure off the spinal cord and/or nerves by increasing the size of a spinal canal. The pressure could be caused by a bone spur (bony growth caused by arthritis) or other spine issues such as enlarged ligaments or herniated discs.

Recovery and Costs

Once the procedure is completed a patient wakes up in a postoperative recovery area called the PACU. After the effects of the anaesthesia wear off,the patient is moved to a regular roomwhere the activities like sitting or walking are encouraged.In 1 to 2 days a patient is released from the hospital and given instructions to be followed at home. Depending on the condition of the patient, recovery usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks. On the cost front, the cost of Spinal Decompression may vary from 4000 to 6,000 USD in India while the same surgery can cost 80000 USD to 100000 USD in USA.