LAMINOTOMY

Laminotomy requires a relatively small (2-3 cm) incision in your back, typically the lower back (lumbar spine). The surgery may be performed using a less destructive laminotomy technique where the surgeon forms a small hole in lamina bone without disruption of the entire lamina (bone on the posterior side of the spine) to perform the surgical excision. The surgeon removes obstructions of abnormally formed bony structures, diseased or ruptured disc, other bony fragments that are obstructing or impinging on neural structures, spinal cord, nerve roots. Once these neural structures are free and the spinal canal is open, the surgeon closes with suturing the muscle layers over the site and then the skin.

This procedure may be performed either as an out-patient where the patient returns home after the patient is well awake and within the same day as the procedure was performed. Or this procedure may be performed as an in-patient where the patient may typically stay in the hospital for up to 3 days.

Leg pain symptoms may resolve almost immediately after the surgery. Weakness, numbness may require weeks or months to fully subside. Healing time after surgery requires lighter than normal activities for several weeks with normal activities by 6 weeks to 3 months.