A cervical laminotomy is performed to relieve pressure on a compressed spinal cord and/ or nerve in the neck. Whereas a laminectomy removes the entire lamina, a laminotomy, or partial lamina removal, is done when only a portion of the lamina needs to be removed in order to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. Removal of this bone as well as any bone spurs or disc herniations is intended to relieve the associated symptoms.
Portion of the lamina is removed in order to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
Laminotomy portal allows access for removing pieces of the disc that are compressing the spinal nerve.
1. Incision and channel creation
An incision is made on the back of the neck. Surgical instruments are used to remove a portion of the lamina. If there is a disc herniation, the laminotomy portal allows access for removing pieces of the disc that are compressing the spinal nerve. Bone spurs may also be removed.
A cervical collar, or neck brace, may be required for some patients.
2. Surgical closure
Your surgeon will close the incision and dress it with a wound covering at the conclusion of the surgery. Some patients require a cervical collar, or neck brace, for a short period of time after surgery. As with any surgery, spinal surgery carries certain risks. Your surgeon will explain all the possible complications of the surgery, as well as side effects.