Lumbar Laminectomy

A lumbar laminectomy is a decompression surgery that removes part or all of the lamina, bone spurs, possible herniated disc, and arthritic ligaments.

The goal of the surgery is to enlarge the spinal canal, relieving pressure on the spinal cord and exiting nerves. A lumbar laminectomy is only considered once non-surgical treatment options have been exhausted.

Pinched or compressed nerves are common, affecting around 85 out of 100,000 people yearly. Continue reading to see how DISC can help.

Boney overgrowth, due to arthritis of the spine can build up in the spinal canal causing narrowing of the spinal and compress the spinal cord. The pressure on the spine can cause numbness, weakness, or pain that can radiate down one or both legs. Any condition that puts immense pressure on nerves in the spinal cord could be relieved through a lumbar laminectomy.

Spinal arthritis or other conditions could cause:

• Bone spurs: Bony growths on the vertebrae, causing pain by affecting nearby tissues and nerves.
• Spinal stenosis: The narrowing of the spinal canal, restricting movement and putting pressure on nerves.
• Bulging and herniated discs: Weakened and enlarged spinal discs increase pressure on surrounding nerves.
• Pinched nerve: The force from an abnormal spine condition on a nerve, creating inflammation and pain.
• Spinal tumor: An uncontrolled cell growth in or on the spinal cord, causing compression.
• Degenerative disc disease: The wear and tear of spinal discs as a part of the aging process.

What to Expect During Surgery

A lumbar laminectomy is done under general anesthesia, so the patient will be unconscious throughout the procedure.

As a minimally invasive procedure, the surgery will begin with a small incision over the affected vertebrae in the lower back. A metal dilator is first inserted under fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) into the muscles and tissue down to the affected spinal level. Then a series of metal cannulas are placed on the dilator gently spreading the muscles. The dilator is then removed and a surgical portal is established by which your spine surgeon will perform their laminectomy.

The surgeon will use medical instruments to remove any bone spurs or a disc and the smallest amount of the lamina possible.

In the event you have a bulging disc the surgeon will sparingly decompress the disc relieving pressure on the spinal cord. In cases of degenerative disc disease or spinal instability, the surgeon will perform the laminectomy, remove the damaged disc and replace it with a bone graft, screws and rods, and a spinal fusion will occur.

The incision will then be closed off with stitches or surgical staples.

Post-op and recovery can be different for each individual — below, see what this looks like on average.

In the Hospital

Medical professionals will monitor the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate as they come out of general anesthesia. Once they are stable, the patient will return to their hospital room. The doctor may clear the patient to go home the same day. However, it is typical for the doctor to recommend a one-night or longer stay to ensure the patient’s safety.

Nurses and on-site physical therapists will help the patient get up and walk starting the evening of their surgery. Once pain can be managed with oral pain medications and mobility is cleared, the patient can be discharged.

At Home

Doctors may send a gentle exercise plan home with the patient to encourage mobility and healing. The patient can shower at home but must be gentle when rinsing and pat the incision dry.

To manage pain and soreness, take only prescribed medications, as others can increase the risk of bleeding.

Light activities can resume in a day or two. Any strenuous movement like exercising, lifting or bending should be avoided for two to three months following surgery. Patients usually return to regular activities like driving in one to two weeks.

Avoid long periods of sitting — like flights or car rides — to decrease the chances of developing blood clots. Instead, get up and walk every hour to encourage blood flow.