Laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the back portion of the vertebra, or spinal bones, called the lamina. Removing this portion of bone reduces pressure along the spinal cord, which helps alleviate sensations of back or spinal pain in affected patients. Before undergoing this surgical procedure, patients should discuss the potential complications from a laminectomy with their doctors.
Nerve Damage Along Spinal Column
A surgeon can inadvertently damage the nerves that run along a patient's spinal column while performing laminectomy, MedlinePlus reports. If this occurs, patients are at risk of developing unusual sensations of numbness or weakness throughout the body. Certain patients may also experience pain or temporary paralysis, which can make it difficult to move about normally. Severe spinal nerve damage, such as severing a spinal nerve, can result in permanent loss of sensation or paralysis in affected patients. Patients who experience symptoms of nerve damage as a complication from a laminectomy should seek care from a medical professional immediately.
Infection
Patients who undergo laminectomy can develop infection complications following surgery, MayoClinic.com explains. An infection can arise within the bones of the spinal cord or along the surgical incision site. Symptoms of infection typically include fever; elevated or progressive pain; or unusual pain, inflammation or drainage at the incision site. Spinal surgery can also elevate a patient's risk of developing lung, kidney or bladder infections, which can cause breathing or urinary problems after surgery. Patients who develop infection complications from a laminectomy should contact a doctor as antibiotic treatment may be required to resolve infection symptoms.
Bleeding or Blood Clots
Bleeding or blood clot complications can occur in certain patients following laminectomy, AuroraHealthCare.org warns. Blood clots are sticky clumps of blood components that adhere to the inside of blood vessels, typically within the legs. A blood clot that detaches from its original location can be pushed along the bloodstream into the lungs. Pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot in the lungs, is a life-threatening medical complication that requires immediate intervention. Bleeding complications are typically detected during surgery and can be promptly addressed by the surgeon.
Continued Back Pain
Not all laminectomy procedures are successful in reducing back pain symptoms in treated patients, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Patients who continue to experience back pain after laminectomy may benefit from additional spinal surgery.
