What is laminectomy?
Laminectomy is a type of spinal surgery that removes part or all of the vertebral bone (lamina) in order to relieve compression of the spinal cord or the nerve roots.
What conditions are typically treated using laminectomy?
Laminectomy is performed to alleviate spinal compression, which can be the result of injury, herniated discs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the canal), or spinal tumors. This compression causes symptoms such as pain, numbness, or tingling in the extremities.
Who performs a laminectomy?
A laminectomy should be performed by an experienced spine surgeon, such as an orthopaedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon. The type of spine surgeon chosen is often based on the patient’s underlying condition.
When is laminectomy recommended?
Laminectomy is performed in an operating room while the patient is under general anesthesia. It is typically considered only after other treatments have proven to be ineffective. Other therapies for spinal compression may include exercise regimens, activity modification, over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy or rehabilitation, spinal injections, and chiropractic treatment.
Ideally, laminectomy and other spinal treatments should be recommended by specialists who are dedicated to helping patients with spinal conditions and are able to offer a wide range of therapies so that a plan can be tailored to the individual patient.
Brigham and Women’s Comprehensive Spine Center
The Brigham and Women’s Comprehensive Spine Center offers multidisciplinary treatment for patients experiencing spinal conditions due to back pain, disease, or injury. Patients are referred to the appropriate clinical service for initial evaluation using advanced diagnostic procedures and imaging. Neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons in the Center work with specialists in pain management and physical medicine to development personalized treatment plans. The collaborative focus of the Center allows patients to seamlessly transition between clinical services as dictated by their diagnosis and progress.
Patient- and Family-centered Care
BWH has long been committed to not only the care of our patients but also the many other needs that they and their families have. This philosophy of patient- and family-centered care involves systems and services that emphasize healing in a comfortable, relaxed environment.
Quality of Patient Care
Brigham and Women’s Hospital is committed to providing all of our patients with the safest, highest-quality, most-satisfying care possible and follow established protocols that have been shown to improve patient outcomes. Our inpatient satisfaction survey, sent to patients’ to assess their total care experience, helps us to monitor what we are doing well and areas for improvement. We pride ourselves in the quality of patient care we provide and how we are measured compared with other hospitals.
Contact Us
If you believe you should have an evaluation and would like to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, call 1-800-294-9999 to speak to one of our knowledgeable coordinators who can help to connect you to the doctor that best meets your needs, or fill out an online appointment request.
