Severe back pain can cause lots of problem and inconveniences to an individual. Lumbar Laminectomy is one surgical way of curing chronic back pain. This kind of surgery is most often carried on to treat rigorous back pain which may be both chronic and acute in nature. Lumbar Laminectomy surgery is generally opted for when non-surgical treatments fail to cure the pain.
Reasons for Lumbar Laminectomy
Lumbar Laminectomy is required when the conservative management for neurogenic claudication ceases to work. However, it should be kept in mind that Lumbar Laminectomy surgery is an option and not a necessity. It is advisable to go for this kind of surgery only after the non-surgical treatments cannot cure the pain.
Reasons for undergoing Lumbar Laminectomy include the following:
- To cure chronic or acute back pain
- To relieve pressure and pain on the spinal cord area or spinal nerve
- Go for Lumbar Laminectomy only when non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, acupuncture etc fail to cure the pain
Risks involved in Lumbar Laminectomy
Any surgical procedure involves one risk or another. The risks involved in Lumbar Laminectomy surgery include bleeding, infection in the surgical area, blood clots, pneumonia, lung or heart problems post surgery etc. Death is one serious risk or complication associated with Lumbar Laminectomy.
Pre-surgery requirements of Lumbar Laminectomy
The pre-surgery requirements of Lumbar Laminectomy include the following:
- Discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with your surgeon and get all the necessary details about the surgery
- Conduct all the test as suggested by your surgeon
- Maintain a proper balanced diet weeks before the surgery
- Make sure you are in the right state of health to undergo the surgery
- Make necessary arrangements for post surgical medicines few days before the surgery to avoid any inconvenience
- Quit smoking at least one month prior to surgery. However, it is advisable to quit smoking pre or post surgery.
- Avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicine two weeks before the surgery
- Avoid alcoholic drinks five days prior to surgery
- You will also require to undergo a pre-anesthesia test prior to your surgery
- You may also be provided sleeping pills the night prior to your surgery
- Your doctor will advise you to avoid eating and drinking one night before the surgery
Post-surgery requirements of Lumbar Laminectomy
The post-surgery requirements of Lumbar Laminectomy include the following:
- You will be relocated to an intensive care unit after the surgical procedure
- Pain medications will be provided which will ease away the surgical pain
- Restrict your movement until and unless your surgeon advises you for the same. The tips given by your therapist should be followed.
- You will be advised for some light exercise post surgery as consulted by your surgeon
Average hospital stay for Lumbar Laminectomy
The average hospital stay recommended for Lumbar Laminectomy is between 1and 3 days. However, if the condition of the patient reads signs of slow recovery then the number of days can be extended.
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