Cervical Laminectomy | HMT Sancta Maria Hospital

Cervical Laminectomy

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> Cervical Laminectomy

What is cervical spinal stenosis?

Cervical spinal stenosis is where the spinal canal narrows in your neck.

The spinal cord passes down the spinal canal from your brain. Nerves from your spinal cord and blood vessels that supply the nerves pass into the spinal canal within the vertebrae.

The spinal canal tends to narrow as we get older caused by bony overgrowth from wear and tear in the facet joints, thickening of surrounding ligaments and bulging of the discs. A narrowed spinal canal in your neck can press on your spinal cord, preventing it from working properly.

What are the benefits of surgery?

The aim is to prevent further damage to your spinal cord. Surgery cannot repair damage to your spinal cord but your symptoms may improve.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

If your symptoms are mild, you may not need any treatment. If your symptoms are severe or are getting worse, surgery is usually the only option.

What does the operation involve?

Various anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation usually takes 1 to 2 hours.

Your surgeon will make a cut on the centre of the back of your neck. They will part the muscles to get to your spine.

Your surgeon will remove enough bone and ligament tissue to open up the narrowed part of the canal, giving the spinal cord and blood vessels more room.

How soon will I recover?

Keep your wound dry for ten days.

You should be able to go home after 2 to 3 days.

Do not lift anything heavy or twist your body. Make sure you keep a good posture when sitting and walking.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most people make a good recovery from surgery.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.

General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Unsightly scarring
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Difficulty passing urine
Blood clot in your leg
Blood clot in your lung
Chest infection
Heart attack or stroke

Specific complications of this operation

Neuropathic pain. This is a burning pain that may happen once the pressure on the nerves has been released
Injury to your spinal cord and nerves
Infection in your spine
Damage to the nerve roots
Tear of the thin membrane that covers the nerves in your spine
Spinal instability

*Our fixed-price packages do not include the cost of your initial consultation or any diagnostic tests done at the time. Prices will be confirmed after your first appointment with a consultant specialist.
All prices given are guide prices. Our treatment packages are bespoke, and therefore our private healthcare prices differ from case to case. We will confirm prices in writing before going ahead with any treatment.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

Cervical spinal stenosis is where the spinal canal narrows in your neck, causing weakness or numbness in your arms and legs. The aim of surgery is to prevent further damage to your spinal cord.

What to do next

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If you need one, ask your GP for a referral letter.
Call us to book an appointment with a consultant.

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Jade Baker

“Just had a total knee replacement at this fabulous hospital. From the moment you walk through the door you feel at ease. Everyone was so kind and caring. I was very nervous before my operation, but was soon assured everything would be fine. Thank you to all of you I met over my 4 day stay xx.”

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Leanne Helm

“I was discharged last night following an operation on my ankle. All of the staff where polite and extremely attentive. The room was cosy and clean. Every need was catered for. I was really dreading my operation the staff managed to make my stay very pleasant. Best hospital I’ve ever been in and would highly recommend to anyone. Excellent.”

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