Laminectomy is a surgical procedure for treating spinal stenosis by relieving pressure on the spinal cord. During a laminectomy, the lamina (bone that forms the back of the spinal canal) is removed or trimmed from the affected vertebra to widen the spinal canal and create more space for the spinal nerves.

Tests that are usually performed prior to surgery to aid diagnosis may include:

• Spinal X-ray
• Myelogram
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI scan).

Laminectomy is usually performed under general anaesthetic. During the surgery doctor removes the ligament joining the vertebrae along with all or part of the lamina. The goal is to see the involved nerve root. Then doctor pulls the nerve root back toward the center of the spinal column and removes the disk or part of the disk. After that the incision is closed. Back muscle now protects patient spine or nerve roots. The surgery takes 1-3 hours. A hospital stay of 3 to 5 days is needed after the surgery.

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