Surgery

Posterior Fossa Decompression

A posterior fossa decompression is a surgical procedure performed to remove the bone at the back of the skull and spine. The goals of surgery are to stop or control the progression of symptoms caused by tonsillar herniation, to relieve compression of the brainstem and spinal cord, and to restore the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The surgery takes about 2 to 3 hours and recovery in the hospital usually lasts 3 to 5 days. A syrinx should naturally relieve itself, although it can take weeks, months, or years. 








Duraplasty

The lining of the brain (dura) is opened and a graft is sewn in to expand the surface area and release pressure.




Laminectomy

Laminectomy is surgery to remove the lamina — the back part of the vertebra that covers your spinal canal. A laminectomy enlarges your spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.




Surgery is not a cure. It simply alleviates the symptoms.