Laminectomy

Laminectomy is surgery to remove the back arch or part of a spinal bone. This part of the bone, called the lamina, covers the spinal canal. Laminectomy enlarges the spinal canal to ease pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Laminectomy is often done as part of a decompression surgery to relieve pressure.

Bony overgrowths of the joints in the spine can build up within the spinal canal. They can narrow the space for the spinal cord and nerves. This pressure can cause pain, weakness or numbness that can radiate down arms or legs. Because laminectomy restores spinal canal space, it's likely to relieve the pressure that causes the radiating pain. But the procedure doesn't cure the arthritis that caused the narrowing. So, it's not likely to relieve back pain. A healthcare professional might recommend laminectomy if: Conservative treatment, such as medicines or physical therapy, fails to improve symptoms. Muscle weakness or numbness makes it hard to stand or walk. Symptoms include loss of bowel or bladder control. In some situations, laminectomy may be a part of surgery to treat a herniated spinal disk. A surgeon may need to remove part of the lamina to get to the damaged disk.

Laminectomy is generally safe. But as with any surgery, complications can occur. Potential complications include: Bleeding. Infection. Blood clots. Nerve injury. Spinal fluid leak.

You'll need to avoid eating and drinking for a certain amount of time before surgery. Your healthcare team can give you instructions about the types of medicines you should and shouldn't take before your surgery.