Lumbar
Laminectomy .
Lumbar laminectomy is a spinal decompression procedure in which a portion of the lamina (the bony arch of the vertebra) is removed to create more space for the nerves in the lower back. It is commonly used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis.
Motion-preserving when possible.
Dr. Yasmeh selects the least-invasive option that addresses your specific anatomy and goals.
- What it is: Lumbar laminectomy is a spinal decompression procedure in which a portion of the lamina (the bony arch of the vertebra) is removed to create more space for the nerves in the lower back. It is commonly used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis.
- Key benefits: Relieves leg pain from lumbar stenosis; Improves walking tolerance; Can be performed minimally invasively.
- Typical candidates: Lumbar stenosis with neurogenic claudication; Failed conservative care.
- Recovery: Most patients spend one night in the hospital or go home the same day. Walking begins immediately. Most return to office work within 2–4 weeks.
Benefits of lumbar laminectomy
- Relieves leg pain from lumbar stenosis
- Improves walking tolerance
- Can be performed minimally invasively
- Often does not require fusion
- Long-lasting relief in most patients
Typical candidates
Dr. Yasmeh considers lumbar laminectomy for patients with:
- Lumbar stenosis with neurogenic claudication
- Failed conservative care
- Imaging clearly correlates with symptoms
- Otherwise stable spine
Every surgical decision starts with imaging review, a careful physical exam, and a candid conversation about goals — surgical and non-surgical options are always discussed together.
What recovery looks like
Most patients spend one night in the hospital or go home the same day. Walking begins immediately. Most return to office work within 2–4 weeks.
About lumbar laminectomy.
- Candidacy depends on your specific diagnosis, imaging, prior treatments, overall health, and goals. Dr. Yasmeh evaluates each patient individually and only recommends a procedure when it's a clear fit.
- Most patients spend one night in the hospital or go home the same day. Walking begins immediately. Most return to office work within 2–4 weeks. Dr. Yasmeh and his team coordinate your post-operative therapy, follow-up imaging, and return-to-activity plan.
- Dr. Yasmeh consults at all four offices (East LA, Glendale, Santa Fe Springs, Tarzana) and performs surgery at affiliated hospitals and surgery centers. The surgical location is chosen based on procedure, your insurance, and convenience.
- Absolutely. Dr. Yasmeh welcomes second opinions and routinely reviews outside imaging and records before any surgical decision.
When Dr. Yasmeh recommends this procedure
Find out if lumbar laminectomy is right for you.
Same-week consultations. Four Greater LA offices. Most insurance accepted.