Surgery Overview
Laminectomy is the most common type of surgery done to treat lumbar (low back) spinal stenosis. This is also called decompression surgery. This surgery is done to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve roots caused by age-related changes in the spine. It also is done to treat other conditions, such as injuries to the spine, herniated discs, or tumors. In many cases, reducing pressure on the nerve roots can relieve pain and allow you to resume normal daily activities.
Laminectomy removes bone (parts of the vertebrae) and/or thickened tissue that is narrowing the spinal canal and squeezing the spinal nerve roots. A surgeon cuts into your back to do the surgery.
In some cases, spinal fusion (arthrodesis) may be done at the same time to help stabilize sections of the spine. Spinal fusion is major surgery, usually lasting several hours.
