Laminectomy

Question 1

what is a laminectomy

Answer 1

• Surgical procedure to remove part/all of lamina to relieve pressure

Question 2

what are S&S of nerve root compression

Answer 2

• Pain
• Paresthesia
• Paresis

Question 3

what is important to pau attention to with a laminectomy question?

Answer 3

• location of problem:
  1) cervical
  2) thoracic
  3) lumbar

Question 4

the cervical spinal cord innervates…

Answer 4

• the diaphragm
• the arms

Question 5

with a cervical laminectomy, what is included in pre-op assessment

Answer 5

• breathing
• fnxn of arms and legs

Question 6

the thoracic spinal cord innervates

Answer 6

• abdominal muscles
• gut muscles

Question 7

with a thoracic laminectomy, what is included in pre-op assessment

Answer 7

• cough mechanism
• bowels

Question 8

the lumbar spinal cord innervates

Answer 8

• bladder
• legs

Question 9

with a lumbar laminectomy, what is included in pre-op assessment

Answer 9

• bladder (voiding)
• legs fnxn

Question 10

describe mobilization post-op laminectomy

Answer 10

• do not dangle/sit on edge of bed
• do not sit for >30 min
• may walk, stand, and lie down without restrictions

Question 11

what are potential post-op complications with a cervical laminectomy

Answer 11

• trouble breathing deeply = pneumonia

Question 12

what are potential post-op complications with a thoracic laminectomy

Answer 12

• no cough = pneumonia
• paralytic ileus

Question 13

what are potential post-op complications with a lumbar laminectomy

Answer 13

• urinary retention
• problem with legs

Question 14

anterior thoracic lumbarectomy will have…

Answer 14

• a chest tube

Question 15

how many incisions will there be for a laminectomy with fusion

Answer 15

• 2: hip & spine

Question 16

what risks are associated with hip incision of a laminectomy with fusion

Answer 16

• • pain
• bleeding & draining
• equal risk of infection compared to the spine incision

Question 17

what risks are associated with spine incision of a laminectomy with fusion

Answer 17

• equal risk of infection compared to the hip incision
• highest risk of rejection

Question 18

what are temporary restrictions to be included in d/c teaching post laminectomy

Answer 18

• do not sit for >30 min for 6 weeks
• lie flat & log roll for 6 weeks
• no driving for 6 weeks
• do not lift > or equal to 5 pounds for 6 weeks

Question 19

what are permanent restrictions to be included in d/c teaching post laminectomy

Answer 19

• do not life objects by bending @ waist –> lift with knees
• cervical: do not life anything above head (use step stools)
• no off trail biking, jerky amusement park rides, or horse park riding