Lumbar Laminectomy
Patient Guide
Comprehensive information about lumbar 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 Lumbar Laminectomy?
A lumbar laminectomy is surgery to ease pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves of the lower spine. This is also called decompression surgery. The doctor makes a cut in the lower back. This cut is called an incision. Then the doctor takes out pieces of bone that are squeezing the spinal cord and nerves. The doctor may also take out other tissues.
Good news: Many people have less pain soon after surgery. But your back may feel stiff and sore for a few months.
Recovery Timeline
Hospital Stay
Same Day
You may go home the same day or stay 1-2 days
Return to Work
2-4 Weeks
You will likely return to work in 2 to 4 weeks
Physical Labor
4-8 Weeks
If your job requires physical labor
Preparing for Surgery
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Preparing for Surgery
- 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.
What happens on the day of surgery?
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 2 to 4 hours.
Surgery Duration
The procedure typically takes 1 to 1½ hours. If a spinal fusion is performed simultaneously, surgery will take 2 to 4 hours.
Your Recovery
Your back will likely feel stiff and sore. You may find it uncomfortable to sit or stand in one position for very long. These symptoms typically improve with time.
Return to work timeline:
- Many people return to desk jobs within 1-2 weeks after surgery
- Jobs requiring physical labor (lifting or twisting) may require 4-8 weeks
- Consult your doctor about when you can resume your favorite activities
How can you care for yourself at home?
Activity
- Early Mobilization: Patients are encouraged to start walking as soon as possible after surgery to promote circulation and prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis. There is no strong evidence supporting strict activity restrictions post-surgery, and early mobilization is generally recommended.
- Avoid Heavy Lifting: Refrain from lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds for the first 4-6 weeks post-surgery to avoid strain on the surgical site.
- Gradual Increase in Activity: Gradually increase activity levels based on comfort and tolerance. Avoid high-impact activities and twisting motions for the first few weeks.
Diet
- Balanced Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support healing. Ensure adequate hydration.
- Fiber Intake: Increase fiber intake to prevent constipation, which can be a side effect of pain medications.
Medications
- Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications as directed. Commonly prescribed medications include acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and opioids for severe pain. Use opioids sparingly and only as needed to avoid dependency.
- Stool Softeners: Consider using stool softeners or laxatives if taking opioid medications to prevent constipation.
Incision Care
- Keep Incision Clean and Dry: Follow specific instructions provided by the surgical team. Generally, keep the incision clean and dry. Avoid submerging the incision in water (e.g., baths, swimming) until cleared by the surgeon.
- Monitor for Signs of Infection: Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, increased pain, or discharge from the incision site. Contact the healthcare provider if any of these symptoms occur.
Exercise
- Physical Therapy: Engage in physical therapy as recommended by the healthcare provider. Physical therapy can help improve mobility, strength, and overall recovery.
- Gentle Exercises: Start with gentle exercises such as walking and gradually progress to more strenuous activities as tolerated. Avoid high-impact exercises until cleared by the healthcare provider.
Other Instructions
- Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and address any concerns.
- Return to Work: The timing of return to work will depend on the nature of the job and the patient's recovery progress. Most patients can return to light-duty work within 2-4 weeks, but this should be individualized based on the patient's condition and surgeon's advice.
- Driving: Avoid driving until cleared by the healthcare provider, typically when the patient can comfortably sit and react quickly without pain or limitation.
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.
Follow-up Care
Emergency Situations – Call 911
CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY:
Call 911 if you experience severe symptoms such as:
- Sudden, severe back pain
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Significant weakness or numbness in the legs
These could be signs of serious complications like cauda equina syndrome or a symptomatic epidural hematoma, which require immediate medical attention.
When to Call Your Doctor
Moderate Symptoms:
Contact your doctor if you notice moderate symptoms such as:
- Increased pain not relieved by medication
- Signs of infection at the incision site (redness, swelling, discharge)
- Any concerns about your recovery
These symptoms may require medical evaluation but are not typically emergencies.
Persistent Symptoms:
If you experience persistent symptoms such as ongoing pain, numbness, or weakness that does not improve, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Have Questions?
Feel free to connect with us about this procedure. Our team is here to help guide you through every step of your care.
DEPARTMENT
Department of Neurological Surgery
INSTITUTION
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
LOCATION
UPMC Presbyterian, Suite B-400
200 Lothrop Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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.