A lumbar laminectomy is a surgery to ease pressure on the nerves in your lower back. This pressure often comes from a condition called lumbar canal stenosis, where the spinal canal narrows usually due to age-related changes. During the surgery, a small cut is made in the middle of your lower back. The surgeon removes some bone and tissue to free up space for the nerves. Sometimes, a minimally invasive procedure (keyhole surgery) can be used, which may mean less pain and a faster recovery. A small tube might be placed to drain fluid after the surgery, but it’s usually removed within a day or two. The cut is closed with stitches or staples. This surgery helps up to 85-90% of people with leg pain, but some may still have symptoms if the nerves don’t fully recover. Up to 75% of patients report satisfactory outcomes for around 10 years.
Lumbar canal stenosis happens when the spinal canal in your lower back gets too narrow, putting pressure on the nerves. This is often caused by aging, arthritis, or thickened ligaments. Patients with this condition may need special care, including:
You might have a problem with your shunt if you notice:
If you have any of these signs, contact your doctor, surgeon, or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
A healthcare professional can provide a full check-up to see if a lumbar laminectomy is right for you. This usually involves:
If you take blood-thinning medications (like aspirin or warfarin) or herbal supplements (like fish oil or turmeric), you must stop them one week before surgery to reduce bleeding risks. Always check with your doctor about which medications to stop. You’ll also need to fast (no food after midnight before surgery, but you can sip water until four hours before).
Your surgeon performs conventionally and minimally invasive lumbar laminectomy (where appropriate). The difference is in the surgical approach, length of scar and time for surgery and recovery.
Your surgeon will discuss with you which approach will be most suitable to you and your condition. You will also discuss treatment options, which might include injections, physiotherapy, or surgery.
After a lumbar laminectomy, most people stay in the hospital for one to three days. If more complex surgery is done or you have other health issues, you might stay up to five days. Pain is managed with medications, and you can start moving with help from nurses or physiotherapists soon after surgery. The pain in your lower back will be strongest in the first week but should improve over time. You may feel stiff for a few weeks, and full recovery can take three to six months. Some people may still have back pain due to ongoing spine changes.
You should avoid heavy lifting or excessive bending for six to eight weeks. Your physiotherapist will give you exercises to help your recovery. Keep your wound clean and dry, and see your GP within a week after leaving the hospital to check the wound and pain relief. You’ll likely have a follow-up with your surgeon six to eight weeks after surgery. Contact your doctor or go to an emergency department if you notice increasing pain, swelling, or new symptoms like weakness or numbness.
If you’re worried about any symptoms, contact your doctor or visit a hospital for advice.
Conditions like hydrocephalus or intracranial hypertension can cause:
If you notice these symptoms, talk to a doctor as soon as possible.
You might have a problem with your shunt if you notice:
If you have any of these signs, contact your doctor, surgeon, or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
IMPORTANT FOR ALL PATIENTS.
If you are on any blood thinning medications such as anti-platelet, anti-coagulant or anti-inflammatory medications, they should be stopped one week prior to any surgery. Examples of these medications include plavix, co-plavix, prasugrel, ticagrelor, asasantin, aspirin, disprin, solprin, astrix, cartia, warfarin, pradaxa, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, clexane, heparin, celebrex, mobic, naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, ibuprofen.
Some diabetes medications need to be stopped up to three weeks prior to surgery. Please discuss with your doctor if you are taking one of these medications.
Similarly, any herbal or natural remedies including (but not limited to) traditional Chinese herbal remedies and prescriptions, naturopathic and homeopathic treatments, and supplements (such as glucosamine, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, turmeric and fish oil) should be stopped one week prior to any surgery.
If these medications are not stopped, then your surgery may need to be delayed and rescheduled for reasons of safety. If you are unsure about whether you need to stop any of your medications, please ask your doctor.
Depending on your general fitness and your medical co-morbidities, you may require an assessment by physician specialists and an anaesthetist to assess your safety for surgery, before a decision can be made about your suitability for surgery.
Prior to any surgery, you will need to fast. On the night prior to surgery, your last mouthful of food should be prior to 12 midnight. On the day of surgery, you can sip clear water up until 4 hours prior to your surgery. You may use this opportunity to take medications that your doctor is happy for you to take. Please check with your doctor, what you should do with your medications and write those instructions here.
A member of staff from the hospital or the surgeon’s rooms will contact you up to three days prior to your admission and discuss this with you. They will also discuss your hospital paperwork if this has not been done. This is your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your upcoming admission.
Important Note: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about the above, or are experiencing symptoms, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
In Case of Emergency: If you or someone you know experiences sudden, or severe onset of symptoms or other emergency symptoms, call 000 (Australia) or your local emergency number immediately.
This information has been prepared to help you understand your neurological condition better. Your healthcare team is the best source for advice about your specific situation and treatment options.
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