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Decompression surgery

What is decompression surgery?

If conservative therapies have not helped alleviate your back pain, our surgeons at NeuroSpine Plus may recommend lumbar decompression surgery. The primary purpose of this surgery is to decompress the affected nerves in your spine. Lumbar decompression is often paired with various other surgical procedures to adequately alleviate the source of your discomfort.

Additional surgical procedures performed alongside a decompression surgery include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Corpectomy: Removal of a portion, or entire, vertebral body
  • Discectomy or microdiscectomy: Removal of an entire intervertebral disc or part of a disc, respectively
  • Laminectomy: Removal of all or a piece of the arch (laminae) to gain access to the spinal canal
  • Foraminotomy: Removal of compressive material to expand the opening (foramen) for your nerve roots.
  • Spinal fusion: Multiple vertebral bodies are fused together to increase spinal stability.

If you struggle with new or chronic back issues, our comforting and confident surgeons can provide specialized support to guide you to relief of your symptoms. At NeuroSpine Plus, our surgeons excel in prompt diagnosis and treatment, including decompression surgery and other spinal procedures, making them highly sought after in both New Jersey and New York.

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What conditions are treated with decompression surgery?

You may be referred for lumbar depression surgery to treat any of the following conditions:

Though there are risks associated with all surgical procedures, our specialists have decades of experience, are members of accredited medical boards, and regularly attend training and conferences to stay informed of the most advanced, and least invasive methods available to treat each condition. All risks and benefits associated with undergoing a decompression are discussed at length with our board-certified neurosurgeons prior to proceeding with your procedure

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How is decompression surgery performed?

Before your surgery, your doctor will provide you with instructions to include but are not limited to:

  • No eating or drinking after midnight the night prior to your procedure
  • Stop taking certain medications such as anti-inflammatories or blood thinners
  • Wash the surgical area with antibacterial soap the night before, and the morning of, your procedure

On the day of surgery, you will be given general anesthesia by a trained anesthesiologist. You will be completely asleep before the procedure begins. Once you are anesthetized, our team of experienced neurosurgeons and physician assistants will perform the following procedure:

  • A small incision will be made on your back to access the spine.
  • The size of the incision will depend on the type of procedure you are undergoing
  • A small piece of bone will be removed to access the affected exiting nerve root
  • Compressive disc, or bone, material will be removed, freeing the nerve root and spinal cord
  • Accompanying procedures may be performed along with spinal decompression, as stated above, to ensure adequate pain relief and sustainability
  • The incision(s) will be closed with multiple layers of dissolvable sutures and covered with a dry, sterile dressing

What to expect following a decompression surgery?

Your postoperative healing progress will be closely overseen by our team of providers, ensuring a routine recovery. A member of our team will contact you within the first 48 hours of your procedure to monitor your progress. Your initial post operative appointment will be scheduled within two weeks of your surgical date. A member of our team is always available to answer questions or address your concerns during your recovery period. General postoperative recommendations include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Use of postoperative pain medications as prescribed

  • Over-the-counter Tylenol for pain

  • Do not smoke

  • Do not drink alcohol

  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments

  • Do not use NSAIDs until cleared by your surgeon (Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, etc)

  • Incision care to include washing your incision with gentle antibacterial soap 48 hours after your procedure. No scrubbing, submerging, or soaking the incision(s). No lotions, creams, oils, or ointments atop the incision(s).

When to contact your doctors office following a decompression surgery

If you have concerns during your postoperative period to include, but not limited to the following:

  • High fever greater than 100.4F
  • Change in urinary or bowel habits
  • Swelling or discoloration of one or both calves
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Palpitations
  • Lightheadedness
  • Incisional compromise
  • Loss of strength in your arms or legs

Decompression Surgery FAQ

All surgical procedures have an inherent level of risk associated with them. With decompression surgery performed by our board-certified neurosurgeons, the risks are rare. All risks and benefits associated with undergoing a decompression are discussed at length with our board-certified neurosurgeons prior to proceeding with your procedure.

If you believe you may be a candidate for a decompression procedure, call our office today to book your consultation at 201-399-3388.

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