Cervical Laminectomy
Patient Guide
Comprehensive information about cervical laminectomy surgery, including preparation, the procedure itself, recovery timeline, and aftercare instructions to help you through every step of your spinal surgery journey.
⚠ Important Notice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always follow your surgeon's specific instructions, which may differ from the general guidelines below.
What is Cervical Laminectomy?
A cervical laminectomy is a surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves in the neck. It's sometimes called decompressive surgery.
During the surgery, the doctor removes pieces of the bony covering and other tissues that are squeezing the spinal cord and nerves. In some cases, small pieces of bone or small plates and screws will be used to hold the spine in place after the tissue is removed. This is called fusion.
Recovery Timeline
Hospital Stay
Most people go home 1 to 2 days after surgery
Return to Work
You will likely go back to work in 2 to 4 weeks
Physical Labor
If your job requires physical labor, it may take 4 to 8 weeks
Good news: Many people have less pain soon after surgery. But you may feel stiff and sore for a few months.
Preparing for Surgery
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect and safely prepare for surgery.
Pre-Surgery Instructions
- You may need to shower or bathe with a special soap the night before and the morning of your surgery. The soap contains chlorhexidine. It reduces the amount of bacteria on your skin that could cause an infection after surgery.
- Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
- Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
- If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your surgery. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
- Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.
The Surgery Day
Before You Leave Home
- Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your surgery may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, take them with only a sip of water.
- Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
- Do not shave the surgical site yourself.
- Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.
At the Hospital or Surgery Center
- Bring a picture ID.
- The area for surgery is often marked to make sure there are no errors.
- You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. You will be asleep during the surgery.
- The surgery will take about 1 to 1½ hours. A spinal fusion may be done at the same time. If so, surgery will take a little longer.
Surgery Duration
The procedure typically takes 1 to 1½ hours. If a spinal fusion is performed simultaneously, expect additional time.
Recovery and Aftercare
You had a cervical laminectomy to relieve pressure on your spinal cord and/or the nerves in your neck. Your neck will probably feel stiff or sore. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. You may need pain medicine for a short time.
Your doctor may advise you to work with a physical therapist to strengthen the muscles around your neck and spine. You will need to be careful about what activities you do. Don't put too much strain on your neck.
Recovery Note: This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.
Activity Guidelines
- Your doctor may give you specific instructions on when you can do your normal activities again, such as driving and going back to work.
- Be active. Walking is a good choice.
- Rest when you feel tired.
- Allow your body to heal. Don't move quickly or lift anything heavy until your doctor says it is okay.
- You will probably need to take 2 to 4 weeks off from work. But if your job requires physical labor, it may take 4 to 8 weeks. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.
Diet and Nutrition
- You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
- If your bowel movements are not regular right after surgery, try to avoid constipation and straining. Drink plenty of water. Your doctor may suggest fiber, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.
Medications
- Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also get instructions about taking any new medicines.
- If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, ask your doctor if and when to start taking it again. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
- Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
Incision Care
If you have strips of tape on the cut (incision) the doctor made, leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off. Wash the area daily with warm water, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing. You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it oozes fluid or rubs against clothing or your brace. Change the bandage every day.
Exercise and Physical Therapy
Do neck exercises as instructed by your doctor. Your doctor may advise you to work with a physical therapist to improve the strength and flexibility of your neck.
Additional Care Instructions
- Follow your doctor's instructions about wearing a brace or collar to support your neck.
- To reduce stiffness and help sore muscles, use a warm water bottle, a heating pad set on low, or a warm cloth on your neck. Do not put heat right over the incision. Do not go to sleep with a heating pad on your skin.
Follow-up Care
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Emergency Situations
CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY if you experience:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have severe trouble breathing.
- You are unable to move an arm or a leg at all.
- You have symptoms of a blood clot in your lung (called a pulmonary embolism). These may include:
- Sudden chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing up blood
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if you have:
- New or worse symptoms in your arms or legs
- Pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine
- Loose stitches, or your incision comes open
- Bleeding through your bandage
- Symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness
- Red streaks leading from the incision
- Pus draining from the incision
- A fever
- You do not have a bowel movement after taking a laxative
- You are not getting better as expected
Questions About Your Surgery?
Feel free to connect with us about this procedure. Our team is here to help guide you through every step of your care.
DEPARTMENT
Neurological Surgery
INSTITUTION
University of Pittsburgh
WEBSITE
This patient guide is provided by the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurological Surgery. Please discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare team. Every patient's situation is unique, and your doctor will provide personalized instructions based on your specific needs.