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Explanation of a Laminectomy

A laminectomy is an operation to remove part (partial laminectomy, also sometimes known as a laminotomy) or all (full laminectomy) of a segment of bone called the lamina, which covers some nerves in the back. A laminectomy can be performed to treat both spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal) and herniated disks, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  1. Identification

    • A laminectomy gives a surgeon access to the neural canal of the spine, according to the North American Spine Society. The Mayo Clinic reports that this operation is generally conducted under general anesthesia and is performed via an incision down the midline of the back.

    Features

    • The muscles over the affected area of the spine are moved away, and the lamina is fully or partially removed. Spurs can be removed to relieve pressure from spinal stenosis, while broken pieces of disk can be removed for herniated disks, according to the North American Spine Society.

    Significance

    • The North American Spine Society reports that a laminotomy (partial laminectomy) is normally used for a herniated disk, while stenosis requires a full laminectomy.

    Considerations

    • A fusion operation, in which two or sometimes more vertebrae are joined together, may be performed at the same time as a laminectomy in order to provide support to the spine, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Risks

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, the possible risks of a laminectomy include bleeding, infection, blood clots and damage to nerves and blood vessels in the area as well as to the dura mater, which protects your spine.

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