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.
