PrintForaminotomy
A procedure to relieve certain spinal conditions at Laser Spine Institute
At Laser Spine Institute (LSI) we use an Endoscopic approach to open up the foramen without the need for general anesthesia in an outpatient surgical setting.
Foraminotomy is a medical operation used to relieve pressure on nerves that are being compressed by the intervertebral foramen, the space in the vertebra where a nerve root exits the spinal canal. The term foraminotomy is derived from the Latin words foramen (hole, opening, aperture) and -otomy (act of cutting, incision).
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A Foraminotomy of the Spine is used to treat the following conditions:
A foraminotomy is performed to relieve the symptoms of nerve root compression in cases where the foramen is being compressed by bone, disc, scar tissue, or excessive ligament development and results in a pinched nerve.
After IV sedation and a local anesthetic is administered, a small incision is made and a round Depuy tube is put into the incision. A series of tubes of increasing size are placed over this first tube, one at a time, to slowly create a small opening to the spine. That allows us to perform foraminotomies with minimal damage to the surrounding muscles. The muscles are pushed out of the way and are not torn or cut. The last tube is about 18 millimeters in diameter (about as big as a small marker) and through this working tube we insert the laser, camera, suction, irrigation and other surgical instruments.
Answer
The endoscope and arthroscope are the exact same instrument. They are small tubes through which surgery is performed. When the tube is placed into a joint, it is referred to as an arthroscopic procedure (arthro meaning joint). When the tube is placed into an area other than a joint, it is called an endoscope. At LSI, we perform endoscopic procedures.
Once everything is in place, the surgeon can begin removing the bone and tissue that is compressing the nerve without distress to the patient. Some patients feel immediate relief during the procedure as the nerve is released. When the procedure is complete, the tube is slowly removed, allowing the muscles to move back into place. Occasionally, a stitch or two is needed for the incision.
After 1 - 2 hours of monitoring, the patient (with a companion) is free to go. We generally encourage patients to take a long walk the afternoon or evening of their foraminotomy procedure. The patient then returns the following day for a post-operative visit to get clearance from the doctor to return home.
Advantages for having LSI's Foraminotomy:
- Outpatient procedure - no hospitalization
- No general anesthesia
- No arthrodesis (fusion)
- Minimally invasive
- Very successful
- Short recuperation - quickly return to normal activities
- Minimal scar tissue formation
The Laser Spine Institute offers various minimally invasive procedures to relieve neck and back pain caused by spinal conditions and nerve conditions. Procedures offered include Foraminotomy, Percutaneous, Discectomy, Facet Thermal Ablation, and Fusion Alternatives. After-surgery options include physical therapy sessions to help minimize the recuperation period.
Advantages of having your spinal surgeries done at the Laser Spine Institute include no general anesthesia, no hospitalization, minimally invasive surgery, minimal scar tissue formation, and the availability of outpatient procedures.
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