Laminectomy

What the procedure is

Laminectomy is a decompression procedure that removes part or all of the lamina — the bony arch at the back of a vertebra — to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots caused by spinal stenosis.

Why it is performed

It widens the spinal canal, relieving the nerve compression responsible for walking-related leg pain and other stenosis symptoms.

Who may benefit

• Patients with confirmed lumbar spinal stenosis and significant walking limitation despite conservative treatment
• Patients with progressive neurological symptoms from canal narrowing

When it may not be appropriate

• Mild stenosis with well-controlled symptoms
• Cases with significant spinal instability, where decompression alone may not be sufficient

Alternatives

• Continued physiotherapy and activity pacing
• Minimally invasive decompression techniques
• Epidural steroid injection

How it is performed

Through a posterior incision, the lamina and associated thickened ligament are removed at the affected level or levels to directly decompress the spinal canal.

Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia  ·  Typical duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes per level  ·  Typical hospital stay: 2–3 nights

Recovery

Walking distance typically improves within weeks; most patients resume light activities within 3–4 weeks with a graded return to more demanding activity over 8–12 weeks.

Physiotherapy

A conditioning-focused physiotherapy programme supports the return of walking tolerance and core strength.

Risks and complications

• Dural tear
• Recurrent stenosis at an adjacent level over time
• Infection
• Spinal instability requiring later fusion in a minority of cases

Expected follow-up

Wound check at 2 weeks, clinical and functional review at 6–8 weeks.

Indicative cost

Indicative cost: ₹1.75 – 3.5 lakh. This is not a quotation — see the full cost page for what's included and excluded.

What affects the cost

• Number of levels decompressed
• Whether fusion is also required
• Hospital tier

Questions to ask

• Am I a suitable candidate for this specific procedure, or would an alternative be better for my case?
• What is your experience with this procedure?
• What does the quoted cost include and exclude?

Frequently asked questions