Understanding Laminectomy – Spinal Decompression Surgery

March 11 05:41 2025 Print This Article

Summary

Laminectomy is a surgical procedure undertaken to correct spinal compression which can occur due to various reasons. Spinal compression may not be a serious or life-threatening condition; however, it restricts mobility and affects the lifestyle of the person suffering from it. Laminectomy provides relief from the same and helps the person live a normal life. In this article, we will learn more.

Introduction to Spinal Compression 

The spinal column and the spinal cord housed in it are critical for smooth and seamless movement of the upper body. Age, and certain conditions can affect this seamless movement. The consequence of these conditions is – spinal compression. As the name implies, in this condition, the spinal cord is compressed, squeezed or there is lot of pressure on the same. In turn, this can affect the muscles and nerves in the region, which may also get squeezed or constrained in different ways. As a result, the person begins to suffer from moderate to intense pain in the neck, back or lower back, depending on the exact location of compression. It then becomes imperative to ease this pressure or eliminate the spinal compression (also called spinal stenosis), and restore normal spinal health to the person.

Causes and Risk Factors 

So, what are the conditions that cause spinal compression?

• Trauma: Vehicle collisions, sports injuries or simple falls may twist or injure the spinal canal in such a way as to cause compression.
• Bone-fractures: Trauma includes fracture in one or more vertebrae, which can also result in compression.
• Age-related changes: With age, in some people, the ligaments that keep the different vertebrae in place may thicken and even harden with calcium deposits. Further, bones and joints also can enlarge. All these changes end-up squeezing the spinal canal.
• Degenerative disk disease: Again, this is an age-related condition. Here, the spinal disks, which are rubbery cushions that act as shock absorbers may wear away causing the bones to rub against each other and/or cause compression.
• Arthritis: Arthritis can cause more wear and tear of the bones. In some people, there is extra bone growth on the spine and these growths are called bone spurs.
• Paget’s disease: This also causes bone spurs, whether the person suffers from arthritis or not.
• Herniated disk: According to spinal surgeons, the disks are made of a hard, outer shell with soft, jelly-like material inside. In some people, with age or other reasons, the outer hard shell in one or more disks can develop a crack. The soft material inside, then pushes out through this crack. The material starts pressing on the spinal nerves, which causes pain and restricts movement.
• Cancers of the back and spine: Tumours on or around the spinal column can squeeze the vertebrae, or ligaments, or disks.

Symptoms of Spinal compression 

• When the condition is mild, symptoms include neck, shoulder or back pain.
• When condition becomes moderate, the person can additionally suffer weakness or numbness in the arms and legs.
• In advanced stages, the person can suffer from bowel or bladder problems too.

Complications from spinal compression 

Sciatica, scoliosis and spondylolisthesis are various conditions that can occur as secondary outcomes of spinal compression. These can cause severe pain in the back and legs, and impair free movement.

Procedures for correcting Spinal Compression 

• Laminectomy: By far, the most common procedure. In this, the entire bony lamina, some portion of the enlarged facet joints, and any thickened ligament that lies over the spinal cord and nerves are removed.
• Laminotomy: Similar to laminectomy, but here, only a small portion of the lamina and ligaments, usually on one side, are removed. The rest of the structure is left intact, thereby providing a natural support.
• Foraminotomy: The neural foramen is the canal where the nerve roots exit the spine. In this procedure, some part of the bone around the neural foramen is removed, to ease compression on the spinal nerves which have got pinched.
• Laminoplasty: In this, the laminae are cut on one side and swung open like a door, thereby expanding the spinal canal. This is undertaken in the neck region generally.
• Discectomy: A portion of a bulging or degenerated disc is removed, to relieve pressure on the nerves.

How is Laminectomy done? 

Before the procedure

• The doctor will undertake physical examination and general health-checkup to ensure the person can undergo the procedure. In case of a pregnant lady, the doctors will determine the best time to do the procedure, if no other alternative is working out.
• The person must let the doctors know if he/she is allergic to any medicines, anaesthesia, latex and tape.
• The person must let the doctors know of any medicines (allopathic or alternative) that he/she is currently taking.
• The person must let the doctors know if he/she suffers from any bleeding disorder or is taking blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medicines or aspirin. These will be stopped temporarily.
• The person must follow clear instructions on what to eat or drink, the previous night of the surgery.
• On the day of the procedure, the person will be laid on a bed and wheeled to the operating room. He/she will be given a mild sedative which helps the person relax.

During the procedure

• The procedure will be done under general anaesthesia or sometimes, just spinal anaesthesia if the person is comfortable with the same.
• He/she must remove clothing and wear a gown that is given.
• An IV (intravenous) line will be inserted in the arm or hand.
• Once the person is under the effect of anaesthesia, a urinary catheter will be inserted to help drain the urine out.
• If the site of surgery is covered with extra hair, the same will be shaved off.
• The person will be made to lie on the side or belly, on the operating table.
• An anaesthesiologist will monitor the person’s heart-rate, blood-pressure, breathing, and blood-oxygen levels during the procedure.
• The spinal surgeon will make an incision on the skin, right over the concerned vertebra. He/she will then spread the muscles apart.
• The surgeon will then remove the bony arch of the lamina (back portion of the vertebra), any bone spurs or growths, and remove a part of or an entire disk.
• In some cases, the surgeons will undertake spinal fusion. That is, two or more bones in the spine will be connected using various techniques.
• A small drain will be placed in the wound to drain out any fluid that may accumulate there. This will be removed after a few days.
• The incision will be closed using stitches or surgical staples.
• A sterile bandage or dressing will be applied on the site of incision.

After the procedure

At the hospital

• The person will be wheeled into a recovery room for observation.
• His/her vitals are continuously monitored for one or 2 days.
• On the evening of the procedure, the person will be encouraged to get up and walk around. Pain-killers will be given to minimize pain.
• The doctors will advise the person on what exercises to do, or avoid, after discharge.

At home

• The person will be asked to take a pain-reliever in case of any soreness or pain.
• He/she must follow doctor’s instructions on what medication to take and what to avoid.
• The surgical area must be kept clean and dry, so the person must follow doctor’s instructions on how to bathe.
• The stitches or surgical staples will be removed during a follow-up visit to the doctor.

At Kauvery Hospital, with locations in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, our expert neurosurgeons provide advanced care for spinal compression. We offer personalized laminectomy procedures to help you regain mobility and improve your quality of life. Trust Kauvery Hospital for comprehensive spine care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is laminectomy?
Laminectomy is a surgery that removes part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Why is laminectomy performed?
It is done to treat spinal compression caused by trauma, age-related changes, herniated discs, or bone spurs.

What symptoms indicate a need for laminectomy?
Common symptoms include neck, back, or lower back pain, along with numbness, weakness, or mobility issues.

How is the laminectomy procedure done?
The surgeon makes an incision, removes the bony lamina and any obstructions, and may perform spinal fusion if needed.

What can I expect during recovery?
Recovery involves hospital observation, pain management, following exercise guidelines, and keeping the surgical site clean.

Are there alternatives to laminectomy?
Yes, alternatives include laminotomy, foraminotomy, and discectomy, depending on the cause of spinal compression.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 •  Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801