Dr Colum Nolan
Senior Consultant Spine & Neurosurgeon
MB, BCh, BAO, LRCPSI, MRCSI, FRCSI (Neurosurgery)
Chronic back or leg pain that affects mobility, balance or daily activities may be a sign of significant nerve compression within the spine. While many spinal conditions can be managed without surgery, persistent or worsening symptoms may indicate that more targeted intervention is needed. A laminectomy creates additional space within the spinal canal, relieving pressure on the nerves and addressing one of the common structural causes behind these symptoms.
What Is a Laminectomy?
A laminectomy is a decompression procedure that enlarges the spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. By removing all or most of the lamina, the procedure creates additional space, reducing compression caused by bone spurs, herniated disc material or thickened ligaments. This reduction in pressure can lead to significant symptom improvement, particularly when non-surgical treatments are no longer effective.
Common Conditions That May Require Laminectomy
Several spine conditions may cause nerve compression severe enough to warrant consideration of a laminectomy, especially when symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment.
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Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is one of the most common reasons for a laminectomy. This is the narrowing of the spinal canal that causes pain, numbness or weakness, particularly in the legs.
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Herniated Discs (With Severe Canal Narrowing)
A simple herniated disc is often treated with microdiscectomy. However, when a disc herniation occurs alongside significant spinal stenosis, a laminectomy may be needed to adequately relieve nerve compression caused by displaced disc material.
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Degenerative Disc Disease With Nerve Compression
As spinal discs lose height and cushioning over time, surrounding structures may encroach on nerve spaces. A laminectomy can restore space within the canal and reduce symptoms such as pain, numbness or weakness.
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Spondylolisthesis
When one vertebra slips forward over another, it can narrow the spinal canal and compress nerves. In these cases, a laminectomy may be combined with stabilisation procedures to relieve pressure and maintain spinal alignment.
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Thickened Ligaments (Ligamentum Flavum Hypertrophy)
Age-related thickening or stiffening of spinal ligaments can reduce canal space and compress nerves. A laminectomy allows these ligaments to be trimmed or removed to restore adequate room for neural structures.
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Spinal Tumours or Cysts
Benign or malignant tumours within or near the spinal canal may compress the spinal cord or nerves. Laminectomy provides access for the removal of these lesions and helps relieve associated neurological symptoms.
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Spinal Infections
Certain infections can cause swelling or abscess formation around the spinal cord or nerves. In selected cases, a laminectomy may be required to decompress neural structures and allow drainage or treatment of the infection.
How Is a Laminectomy Performed?
A laminectomy is usually carried out under general anaesthesia. The main steps include:
- Accessing the Spine: After anaesthesia is administered, a surgical incision is made over the affected area. The surrounding muscles are gently moved aside to expose the vertebrae.
- Lamina Removal and Decompression: All or part of the lamina is removed to widen the spinal canal and relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Thickened ligaments or other structures contributing to compression may also be trimmed if needed.
- Closure: Once adequate decompression is achieved, the muscles are repositioned, and the incision is closed with sutures.
After surgery, you will be transferred to a recovery area for monitoring as the anaesthesia wears off. Depending on the recovery and overall condition, some patients may go home the same day, while others may stay in the hospital for one or two days.
Potential Risks and Complications
- Infection at the incision site or within deeper tissues
- Bleeding during or after the procedure
- Dural tears, which may result in leakage of cerebrospinal fluid
- Temporary nerve-related symptoms such as numbness or tingling
- Recurrence of symptoms over time, particularly if spinal degeneration continues
Let Oxford Spine Guide Your Treatment Options
If you are experiencing ongoing back or leg pain, numbness or weakness that affects daily activities, a consultation with a spine specialist at Oxford Spine & Neurosurgery Centre can help clarify the diagnosis and determine whether a laminectomy or another treatment approach may be appropriate. Contact us today to book a consultation with Dr Colum Nolan.
Our Spine Specialist in Singapore
Dr Colum Nolan
Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon
MB, BCh, BAO, LRCPSI, MRCSI, FRCSI (Neurosurgery)
Dr Colum Nolan is a Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon and the Medical Director of Oxford Spine & Neurosurgery Centre. He undertook specialist neurosurgery training in Ireland and Australia, and later on completed a complex spine surgery fellowship at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, UK.
Dr Column held key leadership roles including Director of the Spine and Spinal Disorders Programme at the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), as well as the Head of Neurosurgery Service at Sengkang General Hospital.
With his depth of experience, Dr Colum is committed to guiding each patient towards the safest and most effective treatment for their needs.
