What is Laminectomy Surgery?
Laminectomy is surgery that creates space by removing the lamina — the back part of a vertebra that covers your spinal canal. Also known as decompression surgery, laminectomy enlarges your spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
A laminectomy is done if the spinal cord or the nerves of the spine are compressed. This might be due to problems with the bones, joints or the discs in the spine
Self Pay Surgery Costs for Laminectomy in Australia
Laminectomy Surgery wait time in public hospitals in Australia
Public Wait time can be up to
The Public health system in Australia has a waiting period for Laminectomy Surgeries - 90% of Patients waited this length of time for this procedure in the 2019/2020 calendar year.
Who Is Laminectomy Surgery For?
Pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots can cause pain and numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.
In the lower back (lumbar region) pressure on the nerve roots can lead to trouble walking and problems with bowel and bladder function.
Laminectomy may be an option to help relieve your pain.
What are the benefits of a Laminectomy?
The main benefit patients often experience when a laminectomy relieves nerve pressure is pain relief. Additional benefits associated include:
- Increased mobility
- Fewer radiating nerve symptoms
What happens During Surgery?
If you are having a laminectomy, you will have a general anaesthetic, which means you will be unconscious and won’t feel any pain.
The surgeon will make a cut over the back of the neck or the back near the problem spot. A small amount of bone around the spinal cord might be removed to take the pressure off the nerves.
Your doctor might also need to remove a disc if it is damaged. They might join two or more vertebrae together to strengthen the spine after a laminectomy. Sometimes a small plastic tube will be put in to drain excess fluid. The tube will be removed a few days after surgery.
How long will I stay in hospital?
You may be able to go home a few days after surgery.
What is my recovery time?
After the operation your doctor might suggest exercises or rehabilitation. They might also suggest that you protect your back from further stress by limiting lifting or heavy work.
It can take several months to fully recover from the surgery. Depending on how long a nerve was compressed, it may take several weeks or months for the affected nerve root(s) to fully heal.
Everyone recovers at a different pace. Rest and take it slow in the beginning. You should avoid bending or twisting motions right after surgery. Gradually do more each day, as your body allows.
Be sure to follow the instructions your provider gives you. Physical therapy (exercises and stretches that strengthen your muscles) may help you move more easily, with less pain.
Do you qualify for This Self Pay Procedure?
You are suitable for this surgery if:
- You are over 16 years of age
- You are not pregnant
- You do not require complex rehabilitation or have a chronic disease that would require immediate post-operative care in an intensive care unit
- You do not have sickle cell anaemia, renal failure or have had a cardiac arrest or cardiac intervention (e.g. insertions of stents) in the last six months
Payment Plans
If you’re looking for ways to pay for your surgery, there are options available with Self Pay Surgery. From using your own superannuation, to getting finance from one of our Pay Later payment providers, check our Payment Plans page for the details.
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