1-

• Contact Laser Spine Institute
• Request MRI Review
• Medical Consulation

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions
• »
• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
• »
• Scar Tissue Formation

Scar Tissue Formation Caused by Back Surgery

Scar tissue formation caused by back surgery can be extremely painful, limit mobility and flexibility, and greatly diminish quality of life.? Extensive scar tissue build-up is typically associated with the long incisions and other tissue damage experienced during traditional open-back surgery.

Minimal scar tissue forms as a result of normal healing after back and neck surgery.? While scar tissue itself is typically not painful, excessive formation of scar tissue can trigger pain if it binds or impinges on nerve roots. This scar tissue build-up is also known as epidural fibrosis.

The abnormal accumulation of scar tissue is occasionally diagnosed after patient’s initial recovery period (6 to 12 weeks) has been pain-free following a lumbar discectomy or a lumbar decompression. Pain then returns slowly and gradually because scar tissue needs 6 to 12 weeks to form.? If the build-up of scar tissue binds the nerve root to the spinal canal, a patient experiences pain and other symptoms.

Sometimes, scar tissue formation is not actually the cause of pain, but another problem, such spinal fusion failure or other complications, causes pain in a patient.

Doctors often recommend stretching exercises to reduce the pain associated with scar tissue formation.? If stretching exercises are ineffective in relieving pain, a laminotomy, or a minimally invasive surgical procedure, can be performed to remove the excess tissue. Laminotomy is an alternative to laminecotomy, which is a traditional open-back surgery that requires anesthesia.

Laminotomy is an endoscopic procedure. During a laminotomy, a surgeon makes a small incision and then inserts a tiny tube through which surgical tools can be used to remove scar tissue that is pressing on nerves and causing pain. Suction and irrigation are employed to clear the affected area.

Positive aspects of scar tissue removal by laminotomy are:

• It can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia
• A high success rate
• A quick recovery rate
• Minimal damage to surrounding muscles and other tissues

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

If you are experiencing symptoms of post-surgery scar tissue build-up, contact Laser Spine Institute today for a free review of your MRI or CT scan by our medical team. Our experts will help you determine which procedure is best for you and get you back on the road to a normal lifestyle.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.