Lumbar Laminectomy & Discectomy

If you are suffering from lower back pain caused by spinal stenosis, a bulging or herniated disc, or degenerative changes in the spine, lumbar laminectomy or discectomy surgery may be the right solution for you. At Surgical Solutions Network, we offer private spine surgery for patients from Toronto, Ontario; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Calgary, Alberta; and throughout Canada. Lumbar laminectomy and discectomy are surgical procedures our skilled surgeons use to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves in the lower back.

At Surgical Solutions Network, our fellowship-trained spine surgeons perform minimally invasive lumbar laminectomy and discectomy to help patients achieve relief from nerve pain in the lower back and spine and return to a more active lifestyle.

Choose Surgical Solutions Network for Your Private Spine Surgery

Our surgeons have years of experience performing lumbar laminectomy and lumbar discectomy surgeries at our private surgical facilities in Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Toronto. We are committed to helping you regain full mobility so you can return to your daily activities.

Our accredited surgical facilities utilize the latest technology for safe and effective spine surgery in Canada.

Our patient-centred protocols provide each patient with the tools they need to recover quickly and successfully. Our expert healthcare staff and surgeons will help you get the surgery you need so you can get back to living a healthy, active life.

Who Is a Candidate for a Lumbar Laminectomy or Discectomy?

In many cases, nerve-related back pain or leg pain improves on its own with time and conservative treatments, such as physiotherapy, medication, or injections. Patients experiencing persistent leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness due to nerve compression may benefit from spine surgery if their symptoms do not improve with nonsurgical treatments.

When symptoms persist for weeks to months or become severe enough to limit your ability to walk, work, or sleep, surgery may be recommended.

What Is the Difference Between a Lumbar Laminectomy and a Lumbar Discectomy?

• A lumbar laminectomy removes a small section of bone (the lamina) and sometimes the thickened ligaments to create more space for the spinal nerves, which can relieve symptoms caused by spinal stenosis.
• A lumbar discectomy removes a portion of a bulging or herniated disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve, helping to relieve pain and restore nerve function.

What Can a Lumbar Laminectomy or Discectomy Treat?

These spine surgeries are designed to relieve pain and pressure on the nerves in the lower back to help treat:

• Herniated (slipped) disc causing sciatica
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Nerve compression causing leg pain, weakness, or numbness
• Claudication (pain or weakness in the legs when walking due to spinal nerve compression)

What is Claudication?

Claudication occurs when a narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) pinches the nerves travelling from the spine, limiting blood flow to those nerves. The resulting pain can significantly limit activities, and patients may need a cane or walker to walk. Depending on the severity of the claudication patients may be unable to go any distance outside the home.

Signs and symptoms of claudication include:

• Pain, numbness, or tingling in the legs
• Weakness when standing or walking
• Relief of symptoms when sitting or leaning forward

Surgically relieving the pressure on the nerves in the spine helps improve mobility and reduce pain, resulting in an improved quality of life for patients.

How Are Lumbar Laminectomy and Discectomy Performed?

Both procedures are done under general anaesthetic, meaning you’ll be asleep and pain-free during surgery.

Lumbar Discectomy

A small incision (about 1 inch) is made in the lower back.

• A microscope and special instruments are used to remove the portion of the disc pressing on the nerve.
• The incision is closed with dissolving sutures.
• Patients typically go home the same day.

Lumbar Laminectomy

• A similar small incision is made in the lower back.
• Part of the lamina (the bony covering of the spinal canal) and any thickened ligament tissue are removed to create more space around the spinal nerves to help relieve pressure and improve symptoms.
• Patients are usually able to return home the same day or the following day, depending on the extent of the procedure.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

• Smaller incisions and less tissue disruption.
• Shorter hospital stay or same-day discharge.
• Faster recovery and return to activities.
• Reduced postoperative pain.

Next Steps: Book Your Consultation Today

If you’re struggling with lower back pain, leg pain, or symptoms of spinal stenosis, our experienced spine surgeons in Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Toronto can help you explore your options. Contact Surgical Solutions Network to schedule a consultation and learn how lumbar laminectomy and discectomy surgery can help you get back to living your life.