What should you know about total laminectomy?

The lamina is the back part of a vertebra. Removing it can decompress nerve tissue narrowed by conditions such as Spinal Stenosis. A surgeon may also address a disc or thickened tissue, depending on the cause of pressure. If a vertebra has shifted, as in Spondylolisthesis, the team may discuss whether stabilisation is needed alongside decompression.

The word total describes how much of the lamina is removed at the treated level; it does not mean every vertebra in the spine is operated on. The approach, anaesthetic, hospital stay, and rehabilitation depend on the spinal region and your overall health.

Before surgery, tell the team about medicines, allergies, previous operations, bowel or bladder changes, and weakness or numbness. Plan help with shopping, bathing, and heavier tasks. Afterward, walk as instructed, protect the incision, and avoid lifting or twisting until your surgeon gives permission. Physiotherapy may address posture, trunk control, leg strength, and a gradual return to activity. Endoscopic Spine Surgery may be an alternative in selected cases, but suitability depends on the anatomy and diagnosis.

Contact your surgical team for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, worsening pain, or a new weakness. Seek emergency help for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, rapidly progressing leg weakness, or severe difficulty walking.

Ask which level will be treated, whether fusion or another procedure is being considered, which restrictions apply, how nerve symptoms will be monitored, and when rehabilitation should start.