Endoscopic Laminectomy
Spinal stenosis, especially in the lumbar region, can create pressure on the spinal nerves and cause chronic back and sciatic pain. Laminectomy is a surgical procedure that addresses spinal degeneration that causes spinal stenosis and pressure on the spinal nerves. Medici Spine & Pain offers a minimally-invasive surgical option with endoscopic laminectomy. It can relieve spinal nerve pressure and chronic pain with fewer risks and a quicker recovery time.
The lamina is the curved, back portion of the vertebra that protects the spinal canal. Degeneration and deterioration can cause the lamina and other elements in the spine to compress spinal nerves, resulting in chronic pain. During an endoscopic laminectomy, a tiny 1-2 cm incision is made to allow a surgical tube to be inserted to reach affected vertebra for removal of part of the lamina. The surgeon uses a small digital camera through the endoscopic tubing and other imaging to perform the necessary widening of the spinal canal. This can include removing bone spurs, disc repairs and other endoscopic procedures to decompress the spinal nerves.
Benefits of Endoscopic Spinal Decompression
Conventional laminectomy usually involves large incisions with muscle and bone disruption. There is a higher risk of complications for the patient, requiring a hospital stay and a long recovery period. With endoscopic laminectomy, there is no movement of spinal structure or muscles to access the affected vertebra. There is minimal blood loss and a lower risk of surgical complications. The incision is small enough to be covered with a standard bandage. Patients can walk out of our surgical center a few hours after their procedure. The recovery time is greatly reduced, allowing patients to return to work and normal activities quicker.
If you have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis or spinal nerve compression that is causing you chronic back pain, endoscopic laminectomy may be an option. Contact our team at Medici Spine & Pain to schedule a spine evaluation to discuss treatment options to relieve your chronic back pain.