Surgical Decompression
(Laminotomy or Laminectomy)
Treatments & Surgery
California Neurosurgergical Institute
Encino CA, Valencia CA, Bakersfield CA.
Surgical decompression is an effective treatment for relieving the pain of trapped nerves in your spine when other treatments aren’t helping.
If you need surgical decompression, the expert physicians at California Neurosurgical Institute can help with their advanced skills in carrying out both laminectomies and laminotomies.
The world-class skills of the board-certified neurosurgeons at California Neurosurgical Institute are available to you if you live in or near Bakersfield, Encino, or Valencia, California.
Call your nearest office today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.
Surgical Decompression (Laminotomy or Laminectomy) Q & A
What is surgical decompression?
Surgical decompression is a treatment for painful back problems that are caused by compression of the nerves in your spinal canal.
If there’s pressure on your spinal cord or one of the nerves exiting your spine, it can cause pain, as well as other symptoms, including:
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Tingling
- Prickling
- Electric shock type feelings
In many cases, conservative treatment approaches, including physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, resolve the symptoms of nerve compression.
However, if these treatments aren’t helping you, then surgical decompression could be the answer.
How is surgical decompression carried out?
Laminae are areas of bone that protect the back of the spinal canal. Laminectomy and laminotomy are the two key ways to carry out surgical decompression:
Laminotomy
Laminotomy involves the removal of part of a lamina from your spine.
Laminectomy
Laminectomy involves the total removal of one or more laminae from your spine.
Both these procedures aim to create more room for the spinal cord and remove the source of pressure on your spinal nerves.
Compression of these nerves can come from the laminae, or your surgeon at California Neurosurgical Institute might need to take out all or part of a lamina to get better access to a herniated disc or other problem that’s causing nerve pressure.
What happens during a surgical decompression procedure?
Surgical decompression surgery can be done using open techniques or minimally invasive approaches. Wherever possible, the team at California Neurosurgical Institute uses minimally invasive procedures, which offer advantages over traditional open surgery that include:
- Smaller incisions
- Less tissue trauma
- Lower chance of infection
- Reduced pain
- Less scarring
- Reduced risk of complications
- Quicker recovery times
The California Neurosurgical Institute team performs minimally invasive laminectomy (microlaminectomy) and minimally invasive laminotomy (microlaminotomy) on an outpatient basis. That means you don’t have to stay in hospital after your operation, making it far more convenient for you.
When your surgeon talks to you about why you need spinal decompression surgery, they also discuss whether you’re a suitable candidate for microlaminectomy or microlaminotomy.
Some patients might need additional procedures after their spinal decompression. For example, your surgeon might need to remove part or all of a herniated disc or bone spurs that are pressing on the nerves. You might also need fusion surgery as well to support the spine.
Foraminotomy is an alternative form of surgical decompression in which your surgeon gains access to the nerves through gaps in your spine called the foramen.
If you have back pain and other sensory problems because of a compressed nerve in your spine,
talk to the team at California Neurosurgical Institute about surgical decompression.
Call today, or book your appointment using the online tool.
Our Patient Care Services & Specialties
Sciatica
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Spine Surgery
If you have unresolved back pain, the expert physicians at California Neurosurgical Institute can help using their exceptional skills and expertise in carrying out the most advanced forms of spine surgery... Read More >>>
Back Pain
Our experienced board-certified neurosurgical team utilizes cutting-edge technology and skills to treat conditions that cause back pain and can provide you with your best possible treatment options.
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Spinal Cord Injury
According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, 450,000 Americans currently live with a spinal cord injury. California Neurosurgical Institute could help improve or restore function following spinal cord injury.
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Nerv Compression
The experienced board-certified neurosurgeons at California Neurosurgical Institute, with offices in Bakersfield, Encino, and Valencia, California, utilize cutting-edge tools and skills to treat nerve compression.
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Herniated Disc
As many as 20 out of every 1,000 adults in the United States develop a herniated disc each year. While symptoms vary widely, for some people, a herniated disc can lead to chronic pain... Read More >>>
Concussion
California Neurosurgical Institute, with offices in Bakersfield, Encino, and Valencia, California, specializes in the management of concussions and traumatic brain injuries and can provide the care you need for proper healing.
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Neurosurgery Consultation
California Neurosurgical Institute is one of the best and most trusted neurosurgical centers in Kern, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties. If you have a spine or brain disorder diagnosis, we can conduct a neurosurgery consultation to evaluate your condition and suggest the best possible treatment options.
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Artificial Disc Replacement
Spinal disorders can lead to chronic back or neck pain that not only affects your physical health but can also affect your emotional well-being. California Neurosurgical Institute can determine if you would benefit from an artificial disc replacement.
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Pinched Nerve
Pinched nerves can be extremely painful, and also cause other unpleasant problems such as burning sensations and loss of function. If you have a pinched nerve...Read More >>>
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis typically a cause of narrowing of your spinal canal. These conditions lead to pain and dysfunction, but the expert team at California Neurosurgical Institute can help reduce back pain and restore normal function.
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Pain Management
California Neurosurgical Institute, with offices in Bakersfield, Encino, and Valencia, California, specializes in the surgical management of many pain conditions.
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Surgical Decompression (Laminotomy or Laminectomy)
Surgical decompression is an effective treatment for relieving the pain of trapped nerves in your spine when other treatments aren’t helping. Board-certified neurosurgeons at California Neurosurgical Institute can help ... Read More >>>
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Having an abnormal curvature in your spine called scoliosis doesn’t always result in pain and disability, but for many people, it can. If you or your child has scoliosis... Read More >>>
