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Neurosurgery

Lumbar laminectomy and discectomy

The lamina is the bone that covers the spinal canal. Removing it (laminectomy) allows the surgeon access to the spinal column to remove any offending bone spurs or tumors, and provides more room for the nerves. This results in reduced pressure on the spinal cord and relief of irritation and inflammation of the spinal nerves.

 

Most commonly, a laminectomy is performed to treat spinal stenosis or in conjunction with a discectomy. A discectomy is the removal of herniated disc material that is pressing on a nerve or the spinal cord. Before the disc material is removed, a small piece of bone (the lamina) from the affected vertebra may be removed.