Lumbar Laminectomy

1. A Patient’s Guide to
Lumbar Laminectomy: Lumbar Stenosis






















25 Thurber Boulevard, Unit 6
Smithfield, RI 02917
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.bsnidoctors.com

2. Introduction
What is lumbar stenosis?

Lumbar stenosis occurs when
the spinal canal in the lower
back narrows, thereby squeezing
and irritating the nerve roots
along this area. This condition
most often arises through the
change in size and shape of the
spinal canal as people age. Why might I have trouble
walking?
As you walk, the spinal cord natura lly expands. If the spinal cord is
unable to expand due to a narrow spin al canal (stenosis), your legs will
feel fatigued sooner. With frequent resting while walking, you will be
able to lessen the pressure on the spinal cord. This condition is known as
neurogenic claudication. You may find that leaning over an object such as a shopping cart or
walker helps to alleviate these sympto ms. This is because the spinal canal
expands when you lean over. This may make it easier to walk further
distances since the spinal cord is not being compressed by a narrow spinal
canal. What are my options? The four standard options to consider include medication, physical
therapy, epidural steroid injections, and surgery. How do I choose? Surgery is often advised
for those patients who
present with progressive
difficulty walking or
other neurological
symptoms, or have
exhausted all other
options.
Frequently Asked Questions


How long will my surgery last? 1 to 2 hours,
depending on the number of levels.
How long will I be in the hospital? This is
typically a same-day surgery; no overnight stay will be needed for most patients. When can I drive?* Short drives are fine after
24 hours; longer drives are acceptable after 7 days, provided you feel comfortable while sitting. When can I go back to work? This will depend on the individual and the
type of work being performed.
Light/sedentary work (lifting <25 lbs.) 2-3 weeks
Medium work (lifting up to 50 lbs.) 4-6 weeks
Strenuous work (lifting >50 lbs.) 2-3 months maximum How active can I be? Activity is encouraged, especially walking. You
may begin to exercise as early as one to two weeks in the post-operative
period. Avoid activities with twisting and/or bending. If the lamina is removed, how does my back support itself? Your back
will still be able to support itself on the vertebrae, the anterior (front)
bones of the spine after a lumbar laminectomy. *Narcotic usage while driving is not recommended.

3. The Procedure

A lumba
r laminectomy is performed to widen the spinal canal by
trimming the lamina (roof) of the vertebrae to create more space for the
nerve roots.


















Surgery for lumbar laminectomy is pe rformed with the patient lying face
down. A small incision is made in the lower back.

A retractor is used to spread apart the muscles and fatty tissue of the
spine to expose the lamina (roof) of the vertebrae. A portion of the
lamina is removed to gain access to the ligamentum flavum, the ligament
that supports the spinal canal.
















Once
the ligament is cut or moved to the side, the surgeon has access to
the spinal canal and the compressed/irritated nerve roots are visualized.

The incision is then closed using dissolvable suture material.

4. Advil
AGGRASTAT
AGGRENOX
Aleve
Alka-seltzer
Anacin
Anaprox
Ansaid
ASPIRIN
Bufferin
Cataflex
Celebrex
Cephalgesics
Clinoril
CLOPIDOGREL-
BISULFATE
Coricidin
COUMADIN
Daypro
Diclofenac
Diflunisal
Doan’s
Dristan
Duradyne
Ecotrin
EFFIENT
Enbrel
Equagesic
Etodolac
Excedrin
Feldene
Fiorinal
4 Way Cold Tabs
Garlic Tablets
Ginko Bilboa
Ginseng
Ibuprofen
Indomethacin
Indocin
Integrilin
Ketoprofen
Lodine
Meloxicam
Midol
Mobic
Motrin
Nabumeton
Naprosyn
Naproxen
NSAIDS
Norgesic
Oxaprozin
Piroxicam
PLAVIX
PLETAL
PRADAXA
Relafen
Reopro
Robaxisal
Ticlid
Trental
Vanquish
Vitamin E
Voltaren
WARFARIN

A
ny herbal su
pp
lements or
non-FDA approved drugs

What to Expect After Surgery

Pain at incision site: You may experience incisional pain for
approximately 5-7 days. Icing the incision along with anti-inflammatory
and narcotic medications can be helpful. Increased leg pain: This is due to inflammation/swelling of the nerve
roots 2-3 days following surgery. It will gradually improve and slowly
subside over the following week. In se vere cases, oral steroids are used. Hoarse throat/throat discomfort: This is due to the breathing tube
placement during the surgery. This will gradually improve with time.
You should call the office if you develop any neurologic
findings that were not present at the time of your hospital
discharge. Examples include: 
Sudden or slow onset of wea kness in the lower extremities

Loss of control over your bowel/bladder

Elevated temperature (greater than 101 degrees)

Excessive redness/swelling of the incision

Drainage/oozing from the incision site
How do I get refills of my prescription? Call our prescription hotline
during business hours (9am – 4pm) at [phone] x152. When will my sutures be removed? Sutures are not commonly used for
this procedure, but if so, they will be removed at 2-3 weeks. When will I start physical therapy? This will be discussed at your first
post-operative appointment. When can I shower? Two days after surgery with the original waterproof
dressing. You must replace the dressing after every shower with a clean,
dry dressing. What about taking anti-inflammatory medications after surgery? Anti-
inflammatory medications may be taken (if needed) AFTER your
surgical procedure.
M
EDICATIONS
L
IST


The following medications contain aspirin or anti-inflammatory agents,
which increase the risk of bleedin g during surgery or injections.

These medications and supplements should NOT be taken up to 14 days
prior to an injection or to surgery.

Should you need pain relief medication, Tylenol is acceptable. You may
discuss other medication options with your physician or nurse if necessary.

Please note that this is not an inclusive list. If you have any concerns about
your current medications, please consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.


*If you are taking any of the medication HIGHLIGHTED, you MUST

consult your physician prior to discontinuing your prescription*