This procedure is done for spinal stenosis.
Spinal Stenosis is a condition in which the opening for spinal nerve roots and/or spinal column and its contents is being made smaller, or compressed, by certain portions of the lumbar vertebrae that are degenerated. The compression of the nerve roots and/or spinal column can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness of the lower extremities.
In this procedure, Dr. Taylor will remove portions of the lumbar vertebrae that are causing the compression. Not the entire vertebrae, but just the select areas that is causing the squeezing of nerve root or spinal column. The decompression works to free up some space for the nerve roots or spinal column and relieve you of the symptoms you are having.
After the procedure, you will be taken to a regular hospital room. You will stay overnight and leave the next morning. If your lower extremities have been weak, to the point that your walking has been affected, you may need to stay an extra day for rehabilitation.
You will be given pain medication after surgery and progress back to a regular diet slowly. After the anesthesia wears off, you can get up and walk with the assistance of a nurse.
At discharge, the floor nurse will give you pain medication prescriptions that you can take to your pharmacy to be filled.