Minimally Invasive Laminectomy

Common indications include:

• Spinal stenosis is a common cause of nerve compression that can cause symptoms such as pain and discomfort in the lower back and legs, impaired walking ability, and functional disability.
• Herniated spinal discs that press on nearby nerves.
• Spinal osteoarthritis causes bone spurs that can compress spinal nerves.

Minimally invasive laminectomy is decompression surgery performed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves by removing a portion of the lamina, the vertebral bone covering the spinal cord. This enlargement of the spinal canal reduces pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

It is performed with the patient under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia. Dr. Ball performs the procedure using specialized instruments and techniques that allow him to access the spine through a small incision. A microscope or endoscope is used to visualize the portion of the lamina to be removed. The incision is closed cosmetically with absorbable sutures.

Minimally invasive laminectomy is often performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day. The minimally invasive approach promotes faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and a quicker return to normal activities compared to traditional open surgery.

Studies have shown that pain relief and functional improvement outcomes are comparable to open surgery, with the added benefits of reduced surgical risks and complications. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days and fully recover within a few weeks.

Minimally invasive laminectomy is a surgical option for treating certain conditions that cause spinal nerve or cauda equina compression, offering the potential benefits of reduced recovery time and fewer complications compared to traditional open surgery. Not every patient is a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery, and each surgery is customized for each patient. All patients receive a thorough evaluation to decide if minimally invasive surgery suits them. The decision to proceed with this type of surgery will be made collaboratively between the patient and Dr. Ball, considering all individual health factors and symptoms.