Laminectomy

A surgical procedure to remove a portion of a vertebra, called the lamina, and the ruptured disk that is pushing on nerves and causing pain and dysfunction.

Parts of the Body Involved

Back, spinal column, intervertebral disk

Reasons for Procedure

Laminectomy is a surgical method of treating severe pain and disability resulting from compression of spinal nerves. Surgery becomes an option when persistent pain and disability have not been relieved by other means, such as rest, medications, or physical therapy.

The procedure is most often performed to treat progressive neurological problems, such as weakness, numbness, or pain in an arm or leg, or loss of bowel or bladder control, due to nerve compression caused by:
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative spondylolisthesis
  • Herniated disk due to injury or genetic predisposition

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

  • Pre-existing medical condition
  • Obesity
  • Advanced age

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:
  • Physical exam
  • X-rays
  • MRI Scan

Outcome

Following the recommended activity and rehabilitation program will speed your recovery. At first, walking may be added to your home-rehabilitation program and, eventually, swimming or other low-impact exercises to improve your general physical condition and stamina.

Some achy pain in your back may persist. Continuing your exercise program and maintaining a healthy weight will help reduce this discomfort.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
  • Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
  • Weakness or paralysis
  • Loss of bowel or bladder function
  • Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in any extremity or elsewhere in the body