Laminectomy
Removal of the lamina to create space for compressed spinal nerves — the established open decompression procedure.
Laminectomy
The standard surgical treatment for spinal stenosis — removing bone to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves.
The well-established decompression procedure. Two to four days in hospital. Leg pain relief typically begins promptly. Full recovery four to eight weeks.
What Is It?
Removes the lamina — the back arch of the vertebra — to create space in the spinal canal and relieve pressure on nerves compressed by stenosis. The most widely performed open decompression procedure. Can be done at one or multiple levels, and is often combined with foraminotomy when individual nerve roots are also compressed.
Before Surgery
MRI and CT reviewed to confirm the pattern of stenosis and level selection. Medical clearance, blood work, ECG where indicated. Walking aids arranged for the post-operative period.
During Surgery
General or spinal anaesthesia. Midline incision, muscle retraction, lamina removed to decompress the spinal canal. Thickened ligamentum flavum removed. Nerve roots inspected and freed. One to two hours.
After Surgery
Hospital stay: two to four days. Walking with assistance the day after surgery. Back soreness from the muscle retraction typically settles over two to three weeks. Leg pain relief begins quickly as nerves decompress.
Recovery
Desk work: four to six weeks. Physical activity: six to ten weeks. Walking tolerance and leg heaviness continue to improve over weeks to months as nerves recover. Long-term outcomes are excellent for well-selected patients.
Dr. Viswanath's Approach
Laminectomy remains the standard for multi-level or complex stenosis where open visualisation is needed. Endoscopic decompression is considered where it provides an advantage for simpler cases. The approach is determined by anatomy and the extent of compression, not technique preference.
Leg pain, cramps, or difficulty
walking distances?
A consultation and MRI will confirm whether laminectomy is the right treatment for your stenosis.