Lumbar Laminectomy Spine Surgery 

Candidates for a Lumbar Laminectomy

A Lumbar Laminectomy procedure is often recommended following the failure of more conservative treatments. Prior to undergoing surgery, many physicians will attempt medication, injections and/or physical therapy. Patients who are experiencing symptoms such as muscle weakness or numbness, or loss of bowel and bladder control, and who’s symptoms have not improved satisfactorily without surgery may be candidates for a Lumbar Laminectomy.

Those suffering from arthritis or bone spurs may also be candidates for the procedure.

What is a Lumbar Laminectomy?

A Lumbar Laminectomy procedure decompresses the spinal cord and nerves by removing a portion of the lamina, or “bone roof,” that covers them. First, the surgeon makes an incision in the lower area of the back where the affected vertebrae is, and moves the muscles to the side. Small and precise instruments are utilized to remove the portion of lamina causing discomfort.

Bony overgrowths of the spine can occur in patients with arthritis and are sometimes referred to as bone spurs. The overgrowth can be attributed to normal side effects of aging in some patients.

These growths narrow the space in the spinal canal and compress the spinal cord and nerves. The pressure often causes pain in the lower back, which can radiate through the patient’s arms and legs.

During a Lumbar Laminectomy procedure, the lamina, or the back of the vertebra that covers the spinal canal, is removed. The procedure is also referred to as decompression surgery, as the removal of the lamina produces more space in the spinal canal and relieves pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves. In a minimally invasive approach, a smaller incision and tools are used and a surgical microscope promotes visibility.

Creating more space in the spinal canal allows the spinal cord and nerves to move more freely, relieving chronic pain, numbness and weakness of the appendages caused by spinal stenosis.

Results of a Lumbar Laminectomy Procedure

A Lumbar Laminectomy procedure can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis. The length of stay in the hospital will depend on the patient. Most patients are able to return home that day, while others may require more observation. Depending on the amount of lifting, walking and sitting the patient’s employment requires, he or she may be able to return to work within the following weeks.

The surgeon may also recommend physical therapy following the procedure to help mobility and improve strength and flexibility.

With a minimally invasive approach, patients’ recovery time is typically shorter than with an open procedure.

The results of the procedure will vary from patient to patient, but most people report improvements in their symptoms including a decrease in pain. Specifically, patients typically experience relief of pain radiating in the arms and legs.

What are the risks of a Lumbar Laminectomy?

As with any surgical procedure, risks are present. With a Lumbar Laminectomy, patients could be subject to bleeding, infection, blood clots, nerve injury or spinal fluid leak.

There is also a risk that the Lumbar Laminectomy procedure may not be effective and the patient may need additional surgery down the road.