Decompression (surgery)

Decompression (surgery) is a surgical procedure that is performed to alleviate pressure on a body part, most commonly the spine. This procedure is often used to treat conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated disc, and nerve compression syndrome.

Overview

Decompression surgery involves removing a small portion of the bone over the nerve root, or disc material, from under the nerve root to relieve pinching of the nerve and provide more room for the nerve to heal. The goal of the surgery is to relieve symptoms caused by pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.

Types of Decompression Surgery

There are several types of decompression surgery, including:

• Laminectomy: This is the most common type of decompression surgery. The surgeon removes the lamina, the back part of the vertebra that covers the spinal canal. This enlarges the spinal canal and is performed to relieve nerve pressure caused by spinal stenosis.

• Discectomy: This procedure involves removing all or part of a disc that has herniated. This can relieve pressure on nearby nerves.

• Foraminotomy: This procedure involves enlarging the opening where a nerve root exits the spinal canal. This can relieve pressure on the nerve, reducing pain and allowing the patient to resume normal activities.

Risks and Complications

Like all surgeries, decompression surgery carries risks. These may include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and complications from anesthesia. There is also a chance that the surgery may not relieve the symptoms.

Recovery

Recovery from decompression surgery varies depending on the specific procedure and the individual patient's health. Physical therapy is often recommended to help strengthen the back and promote faster recovery.

See Also

• Spinal fusion
• Microdiscectomy
• Lumbar decompression surgery