Lumbar Decompression/Laminectomy
What is Lumbar Decompression/Laminectomy?
Definition: A surgical procedure that removes the lamina (bony arch of the vertebra) or other compressive structures in the lumbar spine to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
Purpose: Treats conditions like spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or spinal TB complications (e.g., epidural abscesses or vertebral collapse causing nerve compression).
Approach: Performed via open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, depending on the case.
Spinal TB Relevance: Addresses nerve compression or deformities from TB-related bone destruction, complementing anti-TB therapy.
Context: Likely offered by specialists like those at Sushrut Spine Center for precise spinal intervention.
Types of Lumbar Decompression/Laminectomy
Laminectomy: Removal of the entire lamina to decompress the spinal canal, used for severe stenosis or TB-related abscesses.
Laminotomy: Partial lamina removal for localized compression, less invasive, suitable for smaller lesions.
Discectomy with Laminectomy: Combines lamina removal with herniated disc excision, addressing disc-related compression from TB or degeneration.
Foraminotomy with Laminectomy: Enlarges the neural foramen alongside lamina removal to relieve nerve root compression.
Minimally Invasive Laminectomy: Uses smaller incisions and specialized tools, reducing recovery time, potentially used for TB-related focal pathology.
Benefits of Lumbar Decompression/Laminectomy
Effective Decompression: Relieves pressure on nerves or the spinal cord, reducing pain, numbness, or weakness (e.g., from TB abscesses).
Improved Mobility: Restores function, enabling physiotherapy critical for spinal TB recovery.
Versatility: Addresses various pathologies (stenosis, disc herniation, or TB-related damage) in one procedure.
Reduced Neurological Risk: Prevents permanent nerve damage or paralysis in severe cases of compression.
Complementary: Enhances outcomes when paired with anti-TB therapy or interventional pain management.
Procedure for Lumbar Decompression/Laminectomy
Preoperative Evaluation: MRI/CT imaging and neurological exams confirm compression (e.g., TB-related abscess or vertebral collapse); anti-TB therapy may be initiated.
Surgical Process: Under general anesthesia, an incision is made over the lumbar spine; lamina is removed using surgical tools to access and decompress the spinal canal.
Additional Steps: May include disc removal, abscess drainage, or stabilization (e.g., fusion) for TB-related instability; typically lasts 1–3 hours.
Postoperative Care: Hospital stay of 1–3 days; pain management and physiotherapy follow; anti-TB therapy continues for 6–18 months.
Follow-Up: Regular assessments monitor neurological recovery, spinal stability, and TB resolution; activity restrictions apply for 4–6 weeks.
