What is spinal laminectomy surgery?

A spinal laminectomy is a type of surgery done to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or one of the nerves. Herniated discs, tumours, or even infections in the spinal canal can cause this deformity and lead to weakness, numbness, or even pain in the back and arms.

During the surgery, the bones known as laminae, which cover the back of each vertebra, are partially or fully removed. This allows more space for the spinal canal, decreasing the chances of nerve and spinal cord damage. Sometimes other structures like herniated discs and bone spurs are also removed with the laminae depending on the condition.

This procedure is usually undertaken after other forms of treatment such as physical therapy, medication, or injections have not worked. This surgery is usually performed on the thoracic, cervical, and lumbar regions with the goal of giving the patient proper mobility and decreasing the chances of pain.

What does a spinal laminectomy treat or manage?

Spinal laminectomy surgery in India is a specialized procedure used to treat and manage several conditions that cause compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. These conditions can lead to debilitating symptoms such as chronic pain, numbness, weakness, and difficulty in mobility.

The primary conditions treated by spinal laminectomy include:

Herniated Discs: A herniated or slipped disc occurs as the centre white material or nucleus of the spinal disc bulges through the torn area of the disc’s outer shell, which then presses against adjacent nerves. The removal of the part of the herniated disc which presses on the nerves, also known as laminectomy, causes great relief of pain and numbness. 

Bone Spurs (Osteophytes): Bone spurs are bony growths that result due to a degenerative problem such as osteoarthritis. These spurs or osteophytes can also cause narrowing of the spinal canal and put pressure on the nerves. These bony outgrowths are also treated by spinal laminectomy to improve symptoms. 

Spinal Tumor: Tumors develop inside or around the spinal canal and can push against the spinal cord and nerves causing him or her to feel pain and other neurological problems. A laminectomy is performed to treat spinal tumors as it allows the physician into the area around the tumor and release some of the pressure by removing the tumor. 

Traumatic Spinal Injuries: Any injury to the spine such as fractures, or dislocations may result in nerve damage due to compression and pain because of instability. These nerves may require treatment through a laminectomy to remove bone and provide stability to the spine.

How common is a Spinal laminectomy?

A spinal laminectomy is one of the more frequently performed surgeries, particularly in patients with spinal stenosis or nerve root compression who do not respond to non-operative treatment.

Reason Why Its Common:

The Rate of Spinal Disorders: Spinal conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease are very common, especially among the older population. It is estimated that in the U.S. alone, laminectomy is performed for this condition on average of 1 out of every 200 people, therefore, laminectomy is frequently performed.

Increasing Elderly Population: The proportional increase of older adults means that there is a higher incidence of age-related spinal disorders, creating more demand for spinal decompressing routine surgeries like laminectomy.

Advances In Medicine: The development of new medical technologies like minimally invasive surgery alongside better recovery techniques allows for safer and more efficient spinal laminectomies, raising the number of patients willing to get the treatment.

What happens during a spinal laminectomy?

In a spinal laminectomy surgery in India, parts of the lamina, which are the bony structures over the spinal canal, are removed so the spinal cord and nerves are not compressed as much. This type of surgery is done in India as follows: The first step is putting the patient under general anaesthesia. The patient is then put on their stomach where the surgeon can see the affected area. The muscles and soft tissue are carefully moved to get to the vertebras. Next, the doctor removes the previously mentioned lamina, which opens space in the spinal canal and makes conditions, such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs, better. 

If needed, these steps might also include spinal fusion, to make sure the spine stays stable. Finally, the incision is stitched and the patient is taken to recovery. With laminectomy, many patients with chronic pain, numbness, weakness, and other issues are able to improve their mobility and quality of life. Some non-surgical treatment options include medication and physical rehabilitation. Laminectomy surgery is affordable, which makes it popular with international patients.

How long does a laminectomy take?

A spinal laminectomy lasts between one to three hours, which varies due to the type of surgery, if there are other procedures needed such as spinal fusions, and the total amount of vertebras needed to be fused.

This procedure will be done while the patient is put under general anaesthesia. Once the incision is performed, the surgeon will commence to remove the back part of the vertebrae and clean the area around the spine from any bone spurs or pieces of herniated discs that are putting pressure on the spinal cord.

If the only thing needing removal is the lamina to decompress the nerves, then the surgery should normally last an hour or two. But if there is a spinal fusion necessary or if the doctors need to put implants to stabilize the spine, the surgery can last up to three hours.

Following a procedure, a patient is brought to a recovery room where they are monitored while waking from anaesthetic. While most patients can expect the surgery to be relatively short, recovery time will depend on specific health factors, and many patients can expect to undergo some follow-up care and be hospitalized for several hours to a few days.

What are the benefits of a spinal laminectomy?

A spinal laminectomy surgery in India offers several significant benefits, particularly for patients suffering from conditions like spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and other spinal disorders that cause nerve compression.

Pain Relief: One primary positive of spinal laminectomy is the great elimination or reduction in chronic pain that back patients suffering from leg or nerve pain often feel. Patients report that once pressure is removed from the spinal cord or nerves, their pain is significantly alleviated.

Improved Mobility: Compression of the spinal cord or nerves leads to weakness and numbness which makes movement difficult. However, post-operation, many patients flaunt an impressive range of motion and strength which allows them to perform basic activities effortlessly.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients who have undergone the procedure are able to perform normal physical activities and follow their daily routine which significantly improves their quality of life. Combining enhanced mobility alongside pain alleviation leads to a better enjoyment of life.

Minimally Invasive Options: In India, spinal laminectomy is done by employing minimally invasive processes which drastically shorten the duration of recovery, lessen the chance of scarring, and reduce risks of further complications.

Cost-Effective Treatment: Reasonable rates make spinal laminectomy surgery a highly sought-after procedure among international patients hoping to receive quality treatment in India.

Spinal laminectomy surgery cost in India 

The Spinal laminectomy surgery cost in India ranges from 90k to 3.5 lakh depending on the needs of the patient. Its cost varies on the type and extent of the surgery. The surgeon’s experience, the facility of the hospitals, and the city from where you can get Spinal laminectomy surgery can also influence the cost of Spinal laminectomy surgery in India. The procedure of Spinal laminectomy surgery also affects the cost. Other factors like the location of the hospital, success rate of the centre, recognition and infrastructure charges, etc can add up to the cost of Spinal laminectomy surgery in India. 

The following table helps you to know the cost of Spinal laminectomy surgery in different states of India: 

Factors affecting the cost of spinal laminectomy surgery in India

Several factors are available in India that affect the cost of spinal laminectomy surgery in India: 

• Admission fee 
• Consultation fee 
• Surgeon’s charges 
• The age of the patients can influence the cost
• Health or medical condition of the patient 
• Type of hospital 
• Tests or investigation charges 
• Pre-operative assessment 
• Post-operative care 
• Medication charges  
• Medical procedure charges 
• Hospital room selected by the patient 
• Type of surgery planned 

So these are the list of things that need to be taken into account. So typically, the cost of spinal laminectomy surgery in India ranges from 90k to 3.5 lakh. 

Why choose We Care India for spinal laminectomy surgery in India?

We Care India is the best medical service provider in India. We take care of patients along with the healthcare provider team. Our medical team works 24*7 to handle medical cases. So feel free to contact us at any time, as our friendly medical staff will help you with your medical enquiry. Our highly qualified doctors work six days a week to diagnose your disease and assist you with the best treatments. 

Moreover, our opening hours vary on different days. From Monday to Friday are different, Saturday timing is different and Sunday timing is different. Our trusted medical team offers personalised care. With the help of exceptional service, we ensure successful treatment. Our medical service provider centre is considered the top healthcare company that offers the best medications, treatment, surgical process, etc.

This centre comes with several treatments or surgeries such as spinal laminectomy surgery, brain and spine, and cancer treatment. So this medical centre is to make your future bright like a moon. With 25 years of experience in the medical sector, we offer top-notch quality performance to patients struggling with any type of disease. Our centre has a speciality in spinal laminectomy surgery. We offer the smooth treatment of spinal laminectomy surgery. 

Final thoughts 

Spinal laminectomy surgery in India is a safe and effective treatment where surgery is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal column and its nerves that is caused by conditions like spinal stenosis, herniated discs or bone spurs. The procedure is also incredibly effective in alleviating chronic pain, numbness, and weakness enabling the patient to move better and therefore improving the quality of life in general. 

Besides being effective, spinal laminectomy surgery in India has several benefits such as a high level of expertise and affordable treatment cost due to advanced robotic technology being utilized. Efforts to promote India as a country for International patients, with high standards of healthcare at affordable prices, have earned the country a lot of respect. 

The relatively minimal time to recover from weak and strong lamina only adds to its appeal. Overall, India has positioned itself well as a nation offering high-quality care. With the appropriate amount of time and rest, suspension of routine activities is thus made easier Post-surgical patients return with significantly more strength and improved mobility.

FAQs (frequently asked questions)

What conditions can be treated with spinal laminectomy?

Spinal laminectomy is primarily used to treat conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, bone spurs, and tumors that are compressing the spinal cord or nerves. It is effective in relieving pain, numbness, and weakness associated with these conditions.

Is spinal laminectomy a safe procedure?

Yes, spinal laminectomy is generally considered a safe procedure, especially when performed by experienced surgeons in well-equipped hospitals. However, like any surgery, it carries some risks such as infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. Pre-operative evaluations and modern surgical techniques help minimize these risks.

What is the recovery time after a spinal laminectomy?

Recovery time varies, but most patients can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days. Full recovery can take 6 to 12 weeks, during which patients are advised to follow post-operative care guidelines, including physical therapy, to regain strength and mobility.

Why choose India for spinal laminectomy surgery?

India offers world-class medical facilities, skilled surgeons, and affordable treatment options for spinal laminectomy. Many international patients choose India due to its high-quality healthcare and cost-effectiveness compared to other countries.