The Pros and Cons of Laminectomy - Essay Example

Running Head: The Pros and Cons of Laminectomy The Pros and Cons of Laminectomy Brandi Maxwell stm1 4-17-13 This study scrutinized the grim complications that may accompany the laminectomy procedures aimed at alleviating back twinges and complications. It focused on the side effects that patients may overlook when deciding which course of action to take when deciding on the a treatment plan for their spinal complications. It also brought the issue of how the age of the age of the patient may determine the outcome of the laminectomy. The study wasn’t only interested in the curative measures in responding to back complications but it also had a preventive perspective and for this reason the people at the risk of getting back problems were also looked at. The method used for data and information collection conducting an extensive literature review in online journals articles and blogs that contained relevant information. Using the data collected, the complications that accompany laminectomy were pointed out and a list of the situations where laminectomy use is apparent was put forward. In conclusion a generalization was made on whether laminectomy should be limited to urgent situation only or it should be allowed for everyone who feels the need to engage in it. Introduction A laminectomy is an anatomical course of action in which a surgical practitioner does away with a segment of the skeletal arch, or lamina, on the vertebra, that is among the bones that structure the human spinal contour. Its purpose is to alleviate back twinges that have failed to respond to other conservative medical courses of action. Most of the time a laminectomy is a non obligatory course of action rather than an urgent situation surgery. However, due to the numerous successful cases that have been reported after undergoing lanminectomy, more and more people are opting it and disregarding other conservative medical courses of action to alleviate problems related to back twinges This research paper seeks to find out whether laminectomy should be limited to urgent situation only. This will be achieved by looking at the risks that accompany opting to use laminectomy as the course of action to respond to back lancinations. An effort will also be made to find out whether certain age groups are more prone to the risks accompanied laminecomy and establish whether laminectomy should be restricted to certain age groups unless it’s an emergency situation. Key words: laminectomy, twinge, spinal stenosis, conservative approaches, lamina, vertebra and LSS Method The procedure used to gather the relevant information so s to come up with a conclusion on the issues raised above was conduction a literature review using online articles journal and blogs. The online material that would be used was determined by the relevance to the issues and the depth information contained in the materials. Results The age of an individual is the biggest factor leading to back problems is the age of the individual. Apart from that the daily activities such as lifting heavy objects and a bad sitting posture can also lead to back problems. Scoliosis just like kyphosis may develop subsequent to a laminectomy procedure on children. Roughly, two thirds of the children who undergo laminectomy, acquire a distortion on their spines after the procedure (Jallo et al., 2004.) In around 10 -20 % of the laminectomy patients, the back twinges persists even after the operation and this goes on until the there is a complete recovery of the nerves that may have been injured during the operation. In fact the pain may even amplify after the operation owing to inflammation in the root of the nerve. Even though this outcome ought to cave in in three months lack of sensation and itching in the leg might perhaps go up to one yaer without healing (Brinkley, 2010.) persistent twinge subsequent to a laminectomy, occasionally referred to as unsuccessful laminectomy syndrome, might possibly necessitate a group approach which comprises of work out, psychiatric help, and a peripheral electrical nerve spur. Beneficiaries of laminectomy who have spinal stenosis could enjoy twinge liberation for a number of years subsequent to a surgery then experience a comeback of the previous irritations (Ullrich, 2009). In these situations, the victims bone may regenerate at the same position or at another section in the spinal cord, resulting into back and leg twinges. A laminectomy procedure also poses a risk of death to the patient. 0.8 – 1 % of the patients who opt for laminectomy don’t come out of the surgery room (Surgeryencyclopedia, 2013) The possible complications subsequent to a laminectomy at a glance include hemorrhage, contagion, injury to nerves and or the spine, dwindling or complete loss of utility of the hind limbs, coagulation of the blood, ooze out of the spinal sap due to shred in the Dura while performing the operation, deterioration of the back twinge problem, failure of function of the bladder and bowel movement, unstable spine and finally death (Surgeryencyclopedia, 2013) Conclusion Prevention of spinal complications should be individual’s consideration because the curative procedure is too risky and expensive as well. This can be done by conducting a risk assessment of any activity including the individual’s employment requirement, before indulging in it then taking the necessary precautions if the condition of the activity cxictates so. Due to the numerous risks that accompany laminectomy procedures, laminectomy should not be the first priority when fighting back twinge problems. The only time laminectomy should be opted is if: ache prescriptions and bodily rehabilitation do not seem to help, the back and hind limb twinge is so relentless that the victims quality of life is undermined, if there exists a neurologic insufficiency like flaws in the hind limbs, and loss of control of the urinal and bowel movement, there exists a noteworthy twinge when walking and when tests done on the individual substantiate the identification of LSS Laminectomy should be a procedure of last resort. If the conditions of the conditions of the substantiate Laminectomy, other conservative advances should be considered. These may include: pain reliever or muscle loosening prescriptions, Epidural shots, 48 hours of rest, proper work out, weight loss activities to reduces chances of getting back related complications, work-related alteration and bodily rehabilitation Considering all the above findings a conclusion can be made that though laminectomy is an effective way of combating spinal complications, one cannot turn a blind eye to the grim complications that may result to its use thus it should be carefully considered before being made a priority. This should especially be the case when dealing with young patients because they are the worst affected by the complications of laminectomy. If the situation does not substantiate the practice, the practitioner should help the patient choose among the other numerous conservative treatment plans. References Brinkley, M. (2010). Complications of Lumbar Laminectomy. Retrieved 12/4/2013 from http://www.livestrong.com/article/229031-complications-of-lumbar-laminectomy/ Jallo M.D., Yao M.D., Bitan M.D., Epstein, M.D. (2004). Spinal Deformity Following Laminectomy for Spinal Cord Tumors in Children. Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore: Maryland Surgeryencyclopedia, (2013). Laminectomy. Retrieved 12/4/2013 from: http://www.surgeryencyclopedia.com/Fi-La/Laminectomy.html#ixzz2QAlNqsg4 Ullrich F. P.(2009.) Lumbar Decompression Back Surgery Considerations. Retrived 12/4/2013 from: http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/lumbar-decompression-back-surgery-considerations Read More