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Post Cervical Laminectomy Problems

A post cervical laminectomy, also known as posterior cervical laminectomy, is a surgical procedure that is performed to alleviate pressure on the spine caused by spinal stenosis, a condition caused by bone spurs pressing against the spinal cord. The spinal cord and its structures are very sensitive and delicate, so although postoperative problems are relatively uncommon, they can occur and are sometimes serious when they do.

  1. Complications

    • Patients undergoing a post cervical laminectomy will be put to sleep using general anesthesia. The most common anesthesia problem is respiratory trouble, such as respiratory distress. Other post cervical laminectomy complications include blood clots, infections and nerve damage.

    Significance

    • All surgeries pose risks. However, when surgery is performed near the spine and spinal cord, the potential complications can be very serious, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some post cervical laminectomy complications, such as blood clots, may even result in death.

    Facts

    • According to the University of Maryland, only a small number of patients will experience anesthesia problems, but blood clots after a post cervical laminectomy are fairly common. Less than 1 percent of all patients having a post cervical laminectomy will experience an infection.

    Time Frame

    • The amount of time it takes you to recover from a post cervical laminectomy problem will depend on which complication you experience and your overall health. According to Orthopod, patients who experience a blood clot can recovery quite quickly if the clot hasn't dislodged from the vein of the leg and traveled to other parts of the body. Patients who develop a skin infection often recover within two weeks; however if their infection goes deeper, it can take several months before they fully recover. In many cases of nerve damage, the damage never fully heals.

    Treatment

    • According to Orthopod, a course of antibiotics often curse an infection of the skin. However, if the infection is deep, it can spread to the deeper soft tissues and bones, which makes it far more dangerous and difficult to treat. Blood clots are treated with medication or surgery. Nerve damage cannot be cured, but it can be treated with pain medications. Critical complications caused by anesthesia are resolved through resuscitation and electrically stimulating the heart if it stops beating. Prescription medications can alleviate long-term effects caused by an anesthesia complication.

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