Introduction

A Lumbar Laminectomy is performed to remove pressure from bone spurs and thickened ligament from off of one or more nerve roots. Removal of the back portion of the spine (lamina) creates more room within the spinal canal.

This procedure commonly is used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis and lumbar spondylosis.

This procedure does have a high success rate at reducing leg pain and improving functional abilities. Overall outcomes are largely dependent on the number of levels involved and whether there is an instability present. A fusion may be necessary for some following decompression to stabilize the spine.

This procedure is normally performed in a hospital setting in which an overnight stay may be recommended.

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and benefits that should be discussed and considered.

Last modified: October 22, 2019

Description of Procedure

This surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Once you are comfortable and asleep, you will be positioned on your stomach. Live x-ray is used to localize the area of your incision.

An incision will be made along the midline of the low back. Actual length of the incision will vary based on the number of areas to be decompressed. Layers of muscle and soft tissue are separated carefully to reach down to the lamina (back of spine). After confirming the correct level(s), the surgeon may use a combination of cutting instruments and a high speed bur to remove bone from the back of the spine. Thickened ligament, which lies below the bone, is also carefully removed. Bone spurs arising from the facet joints will be trimmed and removed. The surgeon will try and preserve as much of the natural anatomy as possible to minimize chances for future instability.

The central nerve bundle and nerve roots are checked to confirm that all pressure has been removed.

Layers of muscle and soft tissue are sewn back together using suture. The skin may be closed with small skin staples.

Last modified: October 22, 2019

FAQ's

Last modified: October 22, 2019

Risks

Some of the risks and complications associated with this procedure include:

• Wound infection


• Hematoma


• Bleeding


• Nerve injury


• Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak from a Dural tear


• Loss of bowel or bladder function


• Blood clots


• Numbness (temporary or permanent)


• Scarring of the nerve(s)


• Development of spinal instability


• Incomplete relief of symptoms


• Risks associated with anesthesia

Last modified: October 22, 2019

Evidenced Based Links

• http://www.spineopedia.com/article/surgery-for-spinal-stenosis-long-term-reoperation-rates-health-care-cost-and-impact-of-instrumentation/


• http://www.spineopedia.com/article/1997-volvo-award-winner-in-clinical-studies-degenerative-lumbar-spondylolisthesis-with-spinal-stenosis-a-prospective-randomized-study-comparing-decompressive-laminectomy-and-arthrodesis-with-and-wi/


• http://www.spineopedia.com/article/surgery-for-lumbar-spinal-stenosis-attempted-meta-analysis-of-the-literature/

Last modified: October 22, 2019