A laminectomy is a type of back surgery used to relieve compression on the spinal cord. During the procedure, your doctor will remove the lamina. The lamina is part of the bone that forms the vertebral arch in the spine. Your doctor will also remove bone spurs. These structures can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This can cause:

• Mild to severe back pain
• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Difficulty walking
• Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements
• A laminectomy is only used if your symptoms interfere with daily life. It’s performed when less invasive treatments have failed.

What prep do you do for the surgery?

You need to do some prepping for the surgery. Tell your doctor if you:

• take any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or supplements
• are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
• are sensitive or allergic to any medications, anesthetic agents, tape, or latex

Before the surgery, your doctor may ask you to:

• Stop taking blood thinners, such as aspirin
• Stop smoking if you’re a smoker
• Not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before the surgery

You should arrange for someone to pick you up and take you home after the surgery. You may also need to arrange for someone to help you around the house while you heal.