What is a Laminectomy?

This surgery can relieve back pain due to spinal stenosis.

A laminectomy is surgery to remove the lamina of bones in the spine.

The lamina is the outer part of bone on each individual vertebra in the spine.

Removing the lamina of a vertebra creates space, which can relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Laminectomy is also known as decompression surgery.

The procedure is often performed to relieve symptoms of spinal stenosis, a condition in which your spinal column narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

This can happen due to:

• Arthritis of the spine
• Aging
• A congenital (present at birth) defect
• Paget's disease of bone (a condition in which bones grow improperly)
• Dwarfism
• Tumors in the spine
• Traumatic injury
• A herniated or slipped disc

A laminectomy is typically performed only when other treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, or injections, fail to work.

The Laminectomy Procedure

You'll be under either general anesthesia or a spinal block during the procedure.

A laminectomy typically takes one to three hours.

While you're lying face down on the operating table, a surgeon will make an incision in the middle of your back or neck.

The doctor will move your skin, muscles, and ligaments to the side before removing all or part of the lamina of the affected bones.

Bone spurs, small spinal disc fragments, or other problematic tissue may also be taken out.

Your surgeon may also perform a spinal fusion (in which two or more vertebrae are joined together) or a foraminotomy (which widens the opening in your back where nerve roots leave the spinal canal).

Once the laminectomy is complete, your muscles and other tissues are put back in place. The incision is closed using either staples or stitches.

Depending on your condition, your surgeon may use a minimally invasive technique that requires only a few very small incisions.

Before a Laminectomy

Before having a laminectomy, your doctor will probably want to perform an MRI or CT scan to confirm that you have spinal stenosis.

Let your doctor know about all medicines you take before having a laminectomy. You may have to stop taking drugs such as Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and aspirin for one to two weeks before your procedure.

Also, let your doctor know if you smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol.

Tell your doctor about all other medical conditions you have, especially diabetes, heart disease, a herpes outbreak, a cold, or the flu.

You'll be asked not to eat or drink anything for 6 to 12 hours before your laminectomy. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Ask your doctor if it's safe to take certain medicines with a small sip of water the day of your surgery.

After a Laminectomy

Most people stay in the hospital for one to three days after a laminectomy, but you may be able to go home the day of your surgery.

Be sure to have someone else drive you home from the hospital.

Your healthcare provider will tell you to get up and walk as soon as you can.

You’ll be encouraged to limit activities such as bending, lifting, or climbing stairs for several months after your surgery.

You may need physical therapy after your laminectomy to improve flexibility and strength.

Your recovery period will depend on your condition and the type of surgery you had.

In some cases, people can return to work within a few weeks of a laminectomy.

In other cases, it may take up to six months before a person can resume normal activities.

Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms after your surgery:

• Drainage, swelling, or redness at or near the incision site
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Swelling or tenderness in your legs
• Difficulty urinating
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

Laminectomy Risks

Potential risks of a laminectomy include:

• Nerve injury
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Spinal fluid leak
• Return of back pain