Lumbar laminectomy is one of the simple surgeries performed on lumbar spine . It involves removal of a portion of a lumbar vertebral bone called lamina. This procedure is done commonly to treat spinal stenosis. Also, It is usually performed as part of lumbar fusion surgery .It helps to decompress the spinal canal and permits access to approach the intervertebral disc. First, the back is approached through a two inch incision in the midline of the back, and the left and right back muscles (erector spinae) are dissected off the lamina on both sides. After the spine is approached, the lamina and ligamentum flavum is removed allowing visualization of the nerve roots. The facet joints, which are directly over the nerve roots, may then be undercut (trimmed) to give the nerve roots more room.
Initial mild pain will be at surgical site. The recovery period after a laminectomy depends on the specific operative technique, with minimally invasive procedures having significantly shorter recovery periods than open surgery. Patient can be back to work within 2 weeks. Strenuous activity is to be avoided for 1 month
Scar length depends on the number of levels to be decompressed
Potential complications associated with laminectomy are :
