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Possible complications of laminectomy

by — Last updated: 2013-12-24 in Musculoskeletal Issues

Table of Contents

A laminectomy is a surgical incision into the vertebra to obtain access to the spinal cord. The main purpose of this operation is to relieve pain caused by tumors or herniated intervertebral discs, or to relieve pressure on a spinal nerve.


Like with any other operation, complications from spinal stenosis surgery are possible and may result from other existing medical problems or can be caused by the severity of the spinal problem. These complications may be more serious in an older adult.

  • Nerve root damage
  • Bowel or bladder incontinence
  • Paralysis : Paraplegia or quadriplegia
  • Cerebrospinal fluid leak may be encountered if the dural sac is breached
  • Infections happen in about 1% of any elective cases
  • Bleeding is an uncommon complication as there are no major blood vessels in the area
  • Postoperative instability of the operated level can be encountered
  • Splitting open of the wound
  • Injury to the spinal cord
  • Death (rare) related to major surgery
  • A deep infection in the surgical wound
  • An unstable spine which is more common after multiple laminectomies
  • Tears in the fibrous tissue that covers the spinal cord and the nerve near the spinal cord, sometimes requiring re-operation

Long term outlook

A regular exercise program following surgery increases spinal muscle strength and flexibility. It will also protect the spine against future injury. Patients should be aware of the fact that sometimes, the operation doesn't work and the original symptoms remain, but even when this happens it probably won’t make the symptoms worse. Some patients may develop chronic back pain after laminectomy, a medical condition known as postlaminectomy syndrome. Some alternative techniques for decompressing spinal nerves with less disruption of spinal stability have been developed and include laminotomy and microsurgical lumbar laminoplasty. 

Other forms of treatment

Alternative treatment to surgery isn’t always possible, but generally should be tried first. This may include:

  • Stabilization exercises
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises
  • Training on how to safely use the back (such as proper lifting techniques)
  • Chiropractic
  • Osteopathy
  • Switching to ergonomic furniture.

Discectomy without laminectomy may also be an option, and this can often be done as day surgery using arthroscopic microscopic discectomy.