Spine Decompression

What is Spine Decompression Surgery?

Spinal decompression surgery is performed to relieve symptoms caused by compression of the spinal cord, which can occur anywhere from the neck to the lower back. This compression may be due to:

Age-related changes
Hernias
Injuries
Infections
Cancer
Unusual bone growth
Blood clots

Common Symptoms

Numbness in limbs
Pain in neck or back
Loss of feeling in the feet
Difficulty with coordination

Types of Spine Decompression Surgery

Laminectomy: Removes the bony roof (lamina) over the spinal canal
Laminotomy: Removes part of the lamina to decompress one side
Microsurgical laminoplasty: Minimally invasive technique using microscopes
Microdiscectomy: Removes part of a herniated disc
Minimally invasive lumbar discectomy
Foraminotomy: Removes bone around the neural foramen
Discectomy: Removes part of a bulging or degenerated disc
Spinal fusion: Joins two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine

Diagnosis for Spine Decompression Surgery

Persistent pain, weakness, or numbness
Difficulty standing or walking
Imaging tests (MRI, CT, Myelogram)
Cauda equina syndrome diagnosis

Pre-operative Assessment

General health evaluation
Blood tests
X-ray, MRI scans

Procedure

Anaesthesia is administered (general)
A skin incision is made along the back
Muscles are retracted to expose vertebrae
X-ray confirms the correct vertebra
Lamina removal via laminectomy or laminotomy
Nerve decompression performed
Incision is closed with sutures or staples
Hospital stay: 1–3 days
Recovery: 4–6 weeks
Sutures removed after 10–14 days

Post-operative Restrictions

Avoid prolonged sitting
Don’t lift >10 pounds
Avoid twisting or bending at the waist
No smoking

Complications

Pain
Bleeding
Blood clots (DVT)
Infection
Persistent pain or numbness
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Nerve damage or spinal cord injury
Spinal fluid leakage

Factors Affecting Cost in India

Type of surgery
Severity of condition
Choice of hospital
Surgeon’s expertise
Anesthesia and medication
Diagnostic tests
Post-operative care

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Operation Decompression?
A: Removal of bone or disc material pressing on nerve roots.

Q: When is surgery required?
A: If symptoms persist despite physiotherapy and medication, and if confirmed by imaging.

Q: What is elective spinal surgery?
A: Most spine surgeries are elective and based on patient’s decision in consultation with surgeon.

Q: Hospital stay duration?
A: 1–3 days.

Q: Clinical outcomes?
A: Depends on patient compliance and attitude. Weight maintenance and posture help prevent re-injury.

Q: Prognosis?
A: Around 90% of patients report significant pain relief.

Q: What are vertebrae?
A: The 33 bones of the spine divided into 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 4 coccygeal.

Q: What is Sciatica?
A: Radiating leg pain from nerve compression in the lower back.

Q: What’s cauda equina syndrome?
A: Loss of bowel/bladder control due to spinal nerve root compression.

Q: What is DVT?
A: Deep vein thrombosis — clots in leg veins that can be life-threatening if they reach the lungs.

Q: What are conservative treatments?
A: Physiotherapy, medications, and spinal injections.

Q: Drawbacks of decompression surgery?
A: Doesn’t cure stenosis/arthritis; symptoms may recur.

Q: Who performs the surgery?
A: A neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine surgeon.