A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of a vertebra called the lamina, which forms the roof of the spinal canal, in order to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It is a major spine operation that can leave residual scar tissue and may result in postlaminectomy syndrome, and depending on the underlying problem, more conservative treatments such as small endoscopic procedures that do not remove bone may be a viable alternative.
Facts
Origin YearSourced to the subject's own account FAQs
When do doctors consider a laminectomy for spinal stenosis?
Usually after nonsurgical treatment has not relieved symptoms, or sooner when walking, bowel or bladder function or other nerve function is affected.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases says that if symptoms persist after nonsurgical treatments and medications have been tried, a doctor may recommend meeting with a surgeon to talk about surgery. Doctors may recommend surgery right away if there is numbness or weakness that interferes with walking, impaired bowel or bladder function, or other neurological involvement. Laminectomy is one of the surgeries it lists for spinal stenosis, and it removes the bony spurs and the bone walls of the vertebrae to open up the spinal column and take pressure off the nerves. This describes how the decision is framed, not advice for any individual.
Connections
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
2. Laminectomy (Wikipedia)
WikipediaMethod section, first laminectomy paragraph
The first laminectomy was performed in 1887 by Victor Alexander Haden Horsley, a professor of surgery at University College London.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laminectomy, lead section
A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of a vertebra called the lamina, which is the roof of the spinal canal.
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