Scar tissue develops after an injury or surgery to the back.  Scar tissue can form around six to twelve weeks after surgery or an injury.  Pain in the back will begin to occur because of the tethering this scar tissue creates.

Laminotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to remove painful scar tissue.  It is important to understand that a Laminotomy is not the same as a Laminectomy.   See the difference between Laminotomy and Laminectomy in the article, “Scar Tissue – Benefits and Types of Arthroscopic Laser Treatment.”

Purpose of Laminotomy for Scar Tissue Removal

The purpose of Laminotomy for scar tissue removal is to free the nerves that have been bound together after back surgery.  It is also used to help remove pressure from the spinal canal by increasing the amount of space available in the affected area.

The Laminotomy Procedure

A general anesthesia is not needed for this procedure, which decreases risks substantially.  A local anesthetic is given to the patient.  A small incision will be made in the patient’s back.  This is where a round Depuy tube will be placed.  After the tube is in position, a series of larger tubes will be placed over this original tube.  They will be placed in one at a time to slowly create an opening to the spine.  The muscles and soft tissues will be pushed out of the way, rather than cut or torn.

Because the muscles and soft tissues are not being torn, there is less chance for more scar tissue.  A final tube will be inserted that is 18 millimeters long.  This resembles the size of a marker.  The surgeon will use a laser, camera, suction, irrigation, and other surgical instruments during this procedure.

Once all instruments are in place, most patients will feel immediate relief as the nerves causing the problem are released and the pressure is reduced.   Leg and back pain is relieved by decompressing the spinal canal.  After this procedure has been completed, the tube is slowly removed.  The word “slowly” is the key to not tearing and cutting muscles and soft tissues.  The muscles and soft tissues are allowed the time to naturally fall back into place.   Sometimes there will need to be a stitch or two to close the incision.

A patient will be able to leave after only one or two hours, as long as he/she has someone to drive him/her home.  Once home, a surgeon recommends patients take a long walk in the afternoon or evening following the procedure.  The patient will return the next day for a post-operative visit.

Benefits of Laminotomy for Scar Tissue Removal

• Less risks due to the elimination of general anesthesia
• No need for hospital stay
• No fusion is required because the procedure is minimally invasive
• Success rate is high
• Recuperation time is shorter
• Patients can return to normal activities sooner
• Pain from future scar tissue is reduced because of minimal scar tissue formation

Laminotomy is one of the best ways to remove scar tissue to allow a patient to heal from back surgery without the pain caused by scar tissue.