What is Minimally Invasive Foraminotomy and Laminectomy?
If you have a pinched nerve in your spine, your condition may be caused by an overgrowth of bone or ligament compressing the nerve called stenosis. This is usually due to a gradual build-up over time and is part of the aging process. When the nerve becomes pinched, you may feel pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in your back, leg or arm.
During minimally invasive foraminotomy or laminectomy in NJ, your doctor will make a small incision in your back and introduce specialized instruments. Then, small cuts will be made to trim back the bone and ligament that is compressing your spinal nerve or nerves. When your nerve is adequately decompressed, the instruments are removed and the incision will be closed.
Benefits of having a foraminotomy surgery done in NJ include:
- Small incision
- Less pain
- Low back muscles are spared from significant dissection
- Less blood loss
- Faster recovery time
Patients who undergo minimally invasive spine surgery in NJ typically experience less pain and a faster recovery time. This means you can get back to your normal activities quickly with less lost time at work or with family.
Recovery after Minimally Invasive Foraminotomy or Laminectomy in NJ
Due to the small incision used during the minimally invasive foraminotomy or laminectomy procedure in NJ, the recovery time is less when compared to standard open spinal surgery. Most patients are up and about immediately after surgery, and many can return to work within a week of the procedure.
Your doctor may advise that you avoid any heavy lifting for about 4 to 6 weeks after your procedure, so if your job requires physical labor, you may have to initially return to work on light duty.
After a period of rest and recovery, many patients benefit from performing light back stretches and from walking after their foraminotomy surgery. Your NJ doctor will advise you on when you can begin these. Generally, most patients are back to their normal activity within a few weeks after the procedure.
Risks of Minimally Invasive Foraminotomy or Laminectomy in NJ
This is a low risk, high reward surgery; however, no surgery is without risks. Risks or potential complications of the procedure include:
- Spinal fluid leak
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve irritation or injury
Your NJ surgeon will discuss the risks associated with your foraminotomy surgery with you so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Also, it is important to realize that no surgery works perfectly and sometimes symptoms do not improve after surgery.
Is Minimally Invasive Foraminotomy or Laminectomy Right for Me?
People who benefit most from minimally invasive spine surgery in NJ tend to share certain characteristics. These include:
- Living a health, active lifestyle
- Avoiding smoking
- Avoiding dependence on drugs or alcohol
- Exercising regularly
You may wonder if the procedure is right for your specific condition. Meeting with one of our neurosurgeons in our New Jersey office is the best way to learn more about minimally invasive foraminotomy surgery in NJ and how it can help treat your back pain or sciatica.