Accessibility View
Skip Header
Skip Content
Home / Specialties / Spine / Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery

Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery for Spinal Pain Relief

To help you discuss lumbar laminectomy surgery as a treatment option with your orthopedic surgeon, here’s a breakdown of this surgical procedure.

What is Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery?

Lumbar laminectomy, also known as decompression surgery, treats spinal stenosis and other spinal conditions that cause painful symptoms, and disrupt mobility, stability, and quality of life.

This procedure relieves excess pressure on the spinal cord or nerves within the spinal canal in the lumbar or lower back region by removing the lamina, or roof of the vertebra, to provide space for the spinal cord or nerves to exit the spinal canal without pressure.

Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine

The lumbar region of the spine is located in the lower back and is composed of five vertebrae, numbered L1–L5. Towards the front of each vertebra is a cylindrical block of bone called the vertebral body. In between the vertebral bodies are spongy vertebral discs, which provide support and enable movement. When the vertebral bodies or discs are damaged it can lead to nerve compression, causing pain, weakness, or numbness.

When is Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery recommended?

Lumbar laminectomy surgery is oftentimes recommended to treat spinal stenosis, a condition caused by the vertebral column constricting and exerting pressure on the spinal cord or neural foramen, leading to pain in the back, hips, buttocks, or legs, muscle weakness or numbness, and tingling sensations in the back or lower extremities.

Preparing for Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery

To prepare for lumbar laminectomy, your orthopedic surgeon will review your medical history,perform a thorough examination, and order diagnostic tests, such as blood work and imaging.

You will need to refrain from blood thinners, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs up to two weeks before surgery; Avoid alcohol and tobacco at least 24 hours before surgery, abstain from any solids or liquids at least eight hours before surgery.

How is Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery Performed?

During the lumbar laminectomy, the orthopedic surgeon will perform the following:

  • Make an incision along the midline of the back and carefully retract the soft tissues and muscles to gain visibility of the spine.
  • Remove part or all of the lamina to eliminate the pressure on the spinal nerves.
  • Remove any other sources of compression present, such as bone spurs or damaged discs, to relieve nerve compression.
  • Perform spinal fusion, if you have slipped vertebrae or spinal curvature, by fusing two or more of your vertebrae together to stabilize the spine.
  • Realign the soft tissues,close the incision with sutures, and cover the wound with sterile bandages.

What Happens After Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery?

Here is what to expect following lumbar laminectomy surgery:

  • The patient is transferred to the recovery area where a nurse will monitor vital signs.
  • The patient may need to stay up to three days in the hospital.
  • The patient will most likely be able to walk around on the same day of surgery.
  • The patient will be prescribed medications to manage pain, swelling, and infection.
  • The patient will receive direction on diet, bathing, driving, and caring for the surgical site.
  • The patient will receive an individualized physical therapy regimen to help strengthen the spine muscles and optimize spine function.

Following surgery, the patient is encouraged to follow these guidelines:

  • Avoid strenuous activities, twisting, or lifting heavy weights for at least a month.
  • Gradually increase activities over a period of 4 to 6 weeks
  • Resume your normal activities in a couple of months, though returning to sports or strenuous physical activity may take 3 to 6 months.

What are the risks and complications of Lumbar Laminectomy Surgery?

Some of the risks and complications of lumbar laminectomy include:

  • Infection
  • Spinal fluid leak
  • Nerve damage
  • Bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Anesthetic risks
  • Persistence of pain and other symptoms

Symptoms from spinal stenosis or other spinal conditions can be excruciating and extremely disruptive to your quality of life. Lumbar laminectomy surgery may be right for you. Let us help.