Microlaminectomy Surgery

Microlaminectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat compressed (pinched) spinal nerves. Nerve compression can be caused by health issues like bone spurs, spinal stenosis (narrowing), or herniated (bulging) discs.

Each vertebra (bone in your spine) has a small spike at the rear of the bone called the lamina. During a microlaminectomy, your surgeon will remove the lamina from one or more spinal bones. They may also remove all or part of a damaged spinal disc if it is causing symptoms.

This procedure is considered minimally invasive because the surgeon accesses your spine through a tube. It's called "micro" because they use small surgical instruments and a specialized surgical microscope, exoscope, or endoscope.

At UPMC, our surgeons specialize in performing minimally invasive microlaminectomy procedures. We use the latest, safest techniques to reduce pressure on spinal nerves. Our goal is to restore your quality of life.

Find the Right Care For You

What Is Microlaminectomy?

Microlaminectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that treats conditions caused by compressed (pinched) spinal nerves. It is a common spine surgery procedure, typically done for people with a narrowing of the spinal canal called spinal stenosis.

During the procedure, your surgeon will remove a small portion of one or more of the bones in your spine. They remove a portion called the lamina — the part of the bone on the back of your vertebrae that covers your spinal cord. Removing it takes the pressure off your pinched nerve.

Is microlaminectomy a major surgery?

A microlaminectomy procedure is often an outpatient procedure. It is minimally invasive and has faster recovery times than a traditional laminectomy. You may go home the same day or one to two days after surgery.

It is a common spine procedure that may help to reduce pain and other symptoms while restoring your quality of life.

Types of microlaminectomy

Microlaminectomy is a minimally invasive treatment. It helps relieve symptoms of compressed spinal nerves. Microlaminectomy procedures have names based on the location of the spinal bones.

Procedures include:

• Cervical microlaminectomy — Treats compressed nerves in your neck.
• Lumbar microlaminectomy — Treats compressed nerves in your lower back (most common).
• Thoracic microlaminectomy — Treats compressed nerves in your middle and upper back.

Conditions we treat with microlaminectomy

Conditions that cause narrowing or pinching of the nerves or spinal cord are common reasons for a microlaminectomy.

They include:

• Arthritis.
• Bone spurs.
• Fractures.
• Herniated (bulging) discs.
• Spinal stenosis.

Why Would I Need Microlaminectomy?

You may need a microlaminectomy procedure if you are having pain or other symptoms caused by compressed spinal nerves. You may need surgery if these symptoms do not improve with other treatments.

Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels (incontinence).
• Difficulty performing everyday activities, such as walking, sitting, standing, or grasping objects.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs.
• Pain.

Who is a candidate for microlaminectomy?

You may be a candidate for microlaminectomy if you have spinal nerve compression and your symptoms have not gotten better with nonsurgical care.

Alternatives to microlaminectomy

If you are unable to have a minimally invasive microlaminectomy, your surgeon may recommend a traditional open laminectomy procedure.

Other alternatives to microlaminectomy include nonsurgical care to manage symptoms.

These methods include:

• Heat or ice.
• Over-the-counter pain medicines.
• Physical therapy.
• Steroid injections.

What is the difference between microlaminectomy and laminectomy?

Microlaminectomy and laminectomy procedures both involve removing the lamina to reduce pressure on the spinal nerves. However, microlaminectomy uses a microscopic surgical approach. The surgeon inserts their small instruments through 2- to 3-centimeter-long incisions. These smaller incisions do not cause extensive damage to your muscles and other soft tissues.

Traditional laminectomy surgery uses larger incisions. It causes more damage to your muscles and nerve tissue. A traditional laminectomy is sometimes necessary for certain spinal conditions. People who have traditional laminectomy surgery may have a longer hospital stay and recovery time.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Microlaminectomy?

As with any surgery, microlaminectomy surgery comes with some risks.

Possible complications include:

• Bleeding or infection at your incision site.
• Blood clots.
• Instability in your spine.
• Nerve damage.
• No improvement or a return of symptoms.
• Problems with anesthesia.

What Should I Expect from Microlaminectomy?

Before: How to prepare for microlaminectomy

Before surgery, you will meet with your surgical team and have a physical exam. Your surgical team may order tests, such as:

• Blood or urine tests — Your doctor may order blood work and urine studies to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery and check for signs of illness or infection.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan — An imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
• CT Myelogram — A diagnostic imaging test that uses contrast dye and computed tomography (CT) to visualize the spinal cord and surrounding structures.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) — This test records the electrical activity of your heart, shows abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias or dysrhythmias), and can sometimes detect heart muscle damage. EKGs are often performed before surgery to ensure your heart is healthy and identify potential problems.
• Electromyogram (EMG) —This test checks how healthy your muscles are by examining the electrical signals your muscles make, both when you’re using them and resting them.
• MRI — A diagnostic procedure that combines large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer. It produces detailed images of organs and structures within your body.
• Nerve conduction study — Similar to an EMG, this test looks at how well the electrical signals travel from your nerves to your muscles.
• X-ray — Your doctor may order an x-ray to learn more about the condition of the bones and tissues in your spine.

Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and answer your questions. To prepare for the procedure, you should:

• Fast for a certain period before the procedure. Your doctor will tell you how long to fast (usually overnight).
• Have any tests that your doctor requires. For example, your doctor may request a blood test before the procedure to determine how long it takes your blood to clot.

Make sure to tell your doctor:

• If you are sensitive or allergic to medicines, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents (local and general).
• About all medicines you're taking, either prescription or over-the-counter, and any herbal or other supplements, as well.
• About any other health issues. Your care team may need to take certain precautions during surgery for your safety.
• If you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any blood-thinning medicines, like aspirin, or those that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop some of the medicines before the procedure.

On the day of your procedure, bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.

After your procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital for one or more nights. Or you may be able to go home that day. Talk to your care team about what they expect after the procedure.

If you're staying overnight, bring toiletries, a robe, slippers, a cell phone and charger, medicines, and a change of clothes. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital after your care team discharges you.

How long does microlaminectomy take?

Microlaminectomy surgery usually takes one to three hours. However, it may take longer if your surgeon performs other procedures or your surgery is complex.

During your microlaminectomy

When you arrive at the hospital, you will meet with your care team for final preparations.

You will receive an IV and general anesthesia so that you will sleep through the procedure. Your anesthesiologist will make sure that you are comfortable and do not feel any pain.

After you are asleep, your surgeon will:

1. Make a small incision in your back to access your spine.
2. Insert a surgical microscope that provides an up-close view of your spine.
3. Use small surgical instruments to remove the lamina and reduce pressure on your nerves.
4. Perform other procedures if needed, such as a microforaminotomy, discectomy, or a spinal fusion procedure.

After your procedure, your surgeon will close your incision and make sure your condition is stable.

Recovery after microlaminectomy

After your procedure, your care team will monitor you in the recovery area as you wake up. Depending on your doctor's recommendation, you may need to spend one night in the hospital, or you may be able to go home that day. You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital after your discharge.

You will not be able to drive for one to two weeks after your procedure and may need to limit movement of your spine. You will also need to care for your incision to prevent infection.

Before you go home, your doctor will tell you:

• How and when to wear a neck or back brace, if needed.
• How to care for your incision and watch for signs of infection or complications.
• What medicines you should take.
• When or if you should begin physical therapy.
• When to call your doctor or 911 if you have certain symptoms.
• When you can return to your normal activities.
• Which movements are safe, and which movements to avoid.

What is the recovery time for a microlaminectomy?

You may be able to drive within one to two weeks of your microlaminectomy. Most people return to work in about a month and fully recover within four to six weeks.

When to call your doctor about post-op problems

You should let your surgeon know if you have:

• A fever of more than 100.0°F.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Difficulty walking or keeping your balance.
• New or increasing shortness of breath.
• Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in your arms or legs.
• Pain, redness, bleeding, drainage, or increased swelling at your incision site.
• Severe pain that does not respond to medicine.

What is the prognosis after microlaminectomy?

Most people can live full and active lives after microlaminectomy surgery. However, your doctor may recommend that you avoid certain strenuous activities.

What is the life expectancy of a person after microlaminectomy?

A microlaminectomy will not change your life expectancy. It may improve your quality of life and ability to perform everyday activities.

What is the success rate of microlaminectomy?

For most people, microlaminectomy reduces or eliminates symptoms of pinched spinal nerves. Approximately 85% of people who have this surgery are pleased with the results, according to a study published in Neurosurgery.

Why Choose UPMC for Microlaminectomy?

UPMC surgeons use the least invasive, most effective approaches to treat spinal nerve disorders. Our team has pioneered some of the latest approaches to microlaminectomy surgery. They use advanced devices and techniques — promoting safer surgeries, improved outcomes, and enhanced quality of life.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-06-26.