What Happens During a Lumbar Laminectomy

This procedure relieves nerve compression in the lumbar spine, helping to reduce pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, legs, or buttocks.

Preparation

• Hospital Admission: You will be admitted on the day of surgery and required to fast as per your anaesthetist’s instructions.
• Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is administered so that you are asleep and pain-free. A urinary catheter may be inserted if the procedure is expected to be lengthy, and antibiotics are given to reduce infection risk.

Positioning and Incision

• Positioning: You will be positioned face down on the operating table with your abdomen supported to maintain the natural curve of your spine. This position allows optimal access for the surgeon.
• Incision: A small midline incision is made over the affected vertebrae in your lower back. Muscles and soft tissues are gently retracted to expose the spine.

Removal of the Lamina

• Lamina and Ligament Removal: The lamina (the bone covering the spinal canal) is carefully removed using specialized instruments under high magnification. The underlying thickened ligament (ligamentum flavum) is also removed to create more space and relieve nerve compression.

Additional Procedures (if needed)

• In some cases, bone spurs, portions of a herniated disc, or cysts that contribute to nerve compression may also be removed.

Closure

After decompression is achieved, the incision is closed with sutures and a sterile dressing is applied. A small drainage tube may be temporarily placed to remove excess fluid.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

• Hospital Stay: Typically, you will stay in the hospital for one night and be discharged home.
• Pain Management: Pain at the incision site is managed with medications. Leg pain usually improves significantly upon waking.
• Outpatient Rehabilitation: You are encouraged to mobilize on the day of surgery. A tailored physiotherapy program will help strengthen back muscles, improve mobility, and reduce complications.
• Activity Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for around 8 weeks as your spine heals.
• Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor your recovery and assess improvements in symptoms.

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood Clots
• Nerve Damage
• Spinal Fluid Leak
• Failure to Relieve Symptoms or recurrence of symptoms

Prof Aaron Buckland will discuss these risks with you before surgery and provide detailed postoperative guidance.

Patient Reported Outcomes - Lumbar Decompression

Most patients experience significant relief from their symptoms after a lumbar laminectomy, with functional improvement typically evident by 8 weeks post-surgery. To learn more about patient-reported outcomes, please click here.