Spinal Stenosis

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What is lumbar canal stenosis?

Lumbar canal stenosis means narrowing of the spinal canal. It is a degenerative process that occurs due to ageing. Patient complains of pain in buttocks while walking. Gradually the walking capacity decreases, and patients will have to sit after walking for short periods.

What is the treatment for lumbar canal stenosis?

Treatment is started with medications in the form of pregabalin or gabapentin. Sometimes nerve root blocks or epidural blocks are also given. Patients who do not respond to conservative treatment are advised for surgery.

What kind of surgery is done for lumbar canal stenosis?

The type of surgery depends on whether the patient has simply pain in the legs and buttocks or if there is also significant back pain. Dynamic X-rays can also assist in making a diagnosis. If there is any instability detected on X-rays, fusion is also done along with decompression. Fusion means the surgeon will need to put screws and cage in addition to decompressing the nerves. If there is no back pain and dynamic X-rays do not suggest any instability, then decompression in the form of laminoforaminotomy may only suffice.

Are there any risks associated with surgery?

Surgery for lumbar canal stenosis is pretty safe surgery. The most common complication is a dural tear. If dural tear occurs during surgery, the dura is repaired and the  patient is kept on bed rest for 3 days. Neurological complications after lumbar canal stenosis surgery are very rare.

When is the patient discharged after surgery?

If no fusion is done, most patients are discharged the next day after surgery. In the case of fusion, patients are mostly discharged after 2 days of surgery.