A revision laminectomy is a secondary procedure performed on patients when complications arise with the primary surgery. Complications can include patient-related factors such as re-injury, infection and more. A revision laminectomy is relatively quick and will provide relief from new compression symptoms, including pain in the shoulders. For more information about this procedure or any other form of spine surgery, contact Dr. Chetan Patel for a full consultation at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health. You can call Call407-303-5452 for an appointment to discuss your needs.
What Leads to Revision Surgery?
No one wants to go “under the knife” more than once, but there are times when the primary surgery is simply not enough, or when complications arise later that reverse the benefits provided by the initial procedure. For instance, complications that can require revision laminectomy procedures include:
- Not Complying with Post-Op Care Recommendations – After an initial surgery, patients are discharged with specific post-op care instructions. These can include things like not lifting heavy objects for a specific duration, not driving a vehicle until released by the surgeon and more. If the patient fails to follow these instructions, there is a very good chance that they will undo the progress made in the primary surgery and require revision surgery.
- Improper Nutrition – If the patient does not eat a balanced diet and receive proper nutrition, there is a high chance that future complications will develop. These can include slow or non-wounds, a lack of bone healing and closure in the lamina and even the development of infections in the wound or spine.
- Lifestyle Choices – A patient’s lifestyle choices will have an enormous impact on the success of the primary surgery. Many lifestyle choices have a direct impact on the healing and infection prevention, including smoking and steroid use, as well as the presence of health conditions like diabetes.
- Progressive Degeneration – If the spinal stenosis is caused by a degenerative condition rather than a herniated disc (and even with herniation in some cases), it is possible that the condition will progress even after the initial surgery. Progress can include the continued collapse of a herniated disc in which the hernia was removed, but it can also include compression in adjacent vertebras due to a degenerative disease.
How Is a Revision Laminectomy Performed?
A revision surgery follows the same pattern as the primary procedure. However, first the surgeon must determine if the compression is located at the original site, or if degeneration has progressed to adjacent vertebras. If the surgery must be performed at the original site, Dr. Chetan Patel will determine the underlying cause for the return of symptoms and then formulate a specific plan to combat those conditions (this can include bone spur removal, infection debridement and other procedures depending on the patient’s specific condition).
For more information about how a revision laminectomy might work and what you can do to reduce your chances of requiring revision surgery in the first place, speak with Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health. Call Call407-303-5452 to set up a consultation.