What is a minimally invasive laminectomy?

A minimally invasive lumbar laminectomy, also known as a minimally invasive decompression, is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves in the lower back.

It is a commonly utilized procedure for the treatment of symptoms caused by spinal arthritis. The goal is to minimize tissue damage, reduce postoperative pain, speed up recovery, and achieve similar outcomes to open surgery.

In an innovative minimally invasive technique, Dr. Singh performs the procedure through a tiny incision, the size of a nickel, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue, and decreasing recovery time. He uses specialized tubes that spread the muscles and avoids cutting them during surgery like in a traditional laminectomy.

When is a minimally invasive laminectomy performed?

A minimally invasive laminectomy can be performed to treat:

• Spinal arthritis – inflammation of the facet joints in the spine or sacroiliac joints between the spine and the pelvis.
• Spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal canal
• Herniated discs that are compressing nerve roots or the spine
• Spondylolisthesis – a spinal condition characterized by the forward movement or “slippage” of one vertebra in relation to the vertebra below it 

Who is a candidate for a minimally invasive laminectomy?

Numerous factors must be considered in determining who is a good candidate for minimally invasive laminectomy including the patient’s specific spinal condition, the severity of symptoms, and their overall health.

How is a minimally invasive laminectomy performed?

In this procedure, Dr. Singh will make a small incision, the size of a nickel, in the back at the level of nerve compression and insert a device called a tubular retractor. This thin tube-shaped tool allows for the creation of a tunnel, gently moving aside muscle and soft tissue, in the affected area of the spine to provide access to the compressed nerves. He can then insert small tools through the tunnel and operate to decompress the affected nerves.

What are the advantages of minimally invasive laminectomy?

Unlike traditional open surgery, which involves large incisions and muscle cutting, a minimally invasive lumbar laminectomy utilizes smaller incisions and specialized surgical techniques. The goal is to minimize tissue damage, reduce postoperative pain, speed up recovery, and achieve similar outcomes to open surgery.

Advantages of the procedure include a smaller incision than traditional methods, reduced damage to muscle and soft tissue, faster recovery time, limited blood loss and a reduction in post-operative pain with most patient’s avoiding the use of narcotic medications.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Kern Singh, a renowned spine surgeon practicing in Chicago, Naperville, and Oak Brook, specializes in minimally invasive laminectomy procedures to treat spinal stenosis and relieve nerve compression. By using small incisions, Dr. Singh ensures quicker recovery and less post-operative discomfort. Schedule an appointment today to learn how minimally invasive laminectomy can provide relief from your back pain.