Laminectomy at DRHC Dubai Spine Clinic

A laminectomy is a surgical procedure performed on the spine to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

This is achieved by removing part or all of the lamina, which is the bony arch that forms the roof of the spinal canal. The spinal canal is a hollow passage that runs through the center of your spine and houses your spinal cord and nerves.

Laminectomy is typically performed to treat spinal stenosis, a condition that causes narrowing of the spinal canal. Spinal stenosis can compress the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain, numbness, weakness, and other symptoms. Other reasons for a laminectomy may include:

• herniated disc
• Bone spurs
• Spinal tumor
• Spinal infection

Laminectomy is a major surgery that is typically only considered after other treatments, such as physical therapy and medication, have failed to provide relief. The surgery is usually performed by a neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon.

Here's a general idea of the laminectomy procedure:

Endoscopic laminectomy, though similar to a laminoplasty in its goal, is a minimally invasive procedure achieved through a much smaller incision. Here's a breakdown of the typical steps involved:

1. Preparation and Anesthesia: You'll be under general anesthesia, unconscious, and feeling no pain. The area will be prepped with a sterile solution.
2. Small Incision: A small incision, typically 1-2 centimeters, is made in the target area on your back.
3. Guided Access: Using X-ray guidance, a thin wire is inserted to reach the target vertebra. A tapered dilator, smaller than a pencil, is then inserted over the wire to create a pathway.
4. Endoscopic Visualization: A small tube is placed over the dilator to create a working channel. The endoscope, a thin, lighted instrument with a camera, is inserted through the tube. This provides a magnified view of the surgical site on a monitor for the surgeon.
5. Laminotomy: With the magnified view, the surgeon can precisely remove a small portion of the lamina bone on either side of the spinal disc. This creates more space for the compressed nerve.
6. Addressing Other Issues (Optional): If a herniated disc is present, the surgeon may address it with micro instruments during this procedure.
7. Closure: The instruments and tubes are removed, and the small incision is closed with stitches.

Overall, endoscopic laminectomy offers a less invasive approach compared to traditional laminectomy, potentially leading to faster recovery and less blood loss.