Laminectomy Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Laminectomy Overview Laminectomy is a surgical procedure done on the spine to manage stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal. The lamina is the bone of the spinal vertebra that lies behind it. Laminectomy is the removal of the lamina bone. Indications This procedure is indicated in patients who present with spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal cord) and nerve compression. Sometimes laminectomy may be combined along with other spinal procedures, such as fixation to enhance the surgical outcome. Procedure This procedure is performed by an orthopaedic spine surgeon or neurosurgeon. It is done from the back of the patient. After adequate exposure of the spine, the bone is removed with special instruments. This opens up the spinal canal and the neural elements are relieved of compression.Preoperative preparationSpine X-ray to reveal the spinal curvature.Dynamic X-ray (by bending forwards and backwards) may be required to rule out any abnormal motion of the spine.A subsequent spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might be needed to check the status of the neural structures. Further investigations would vary according to each patient. Treatment This relatively simple procedure of the spine is carried out under general anaesthesia.Patients experience relief of symptoms after surgery.Analgesics are administered to relieve surgical site pain.Rehabilitation involves physiotherapy exercises to increase the overall strength, confidence, mobility, and overall physical performance of the patient.