Information on the Success of a Laminectomy

A laminectomy is a procedure to remove part of a vertebra, which may be performed to treat a variety of conditions. While it is usually successful, it often has a long recovery time.

Reasons Performed

• A laminectomy is most often performed to treat spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing and hardening of the spinal column. Removing part of a bone relieves the pressure on the spinal nerves. A laminectomy may also be performed in other conditions that involve spinal swelling (such as from a herniated disc) or to get access to something deeper in the spine.

Factors Determining Success

• The success of the surgery depends heavily on the individual skill of the surgeon as well as on the severity of the condition being treated.

Recovery Time

• Recovery can take months and patients can experience back pain for up to 18 months from the time of surgery. Following your doctor's directions is the best way to keep this recovery period as short as possible.

Complications

• Like most spinal surgeries, a laminectomy can result in serious complications, including injury to the spine. Surgeries performed for more minor conditions carry a lesser risk of complications.

Risk of Recurrence

• Sometimes a laminectomy only serves as a short-term fix for a condition and the original symptoms can reappear, sometimes even only several years from the time of surgery.