What is laminectomy with fusion?

In a laminectomy procedure, a surgeon cuts out a portion of bone, known as the lamina, from the back section of a vertebra to reduce pressure on surrounding nerve roots, explains WebMD. A doctor may also recommend spinal fusion to stabilize an area where bones and ligaments were removed.

Surgeons most often perform laminectomies on patients with herniated discs or spinal stenosis, a condition that causes narrowing in the spinal column, according to Cleveland Clinic. In both cases, the crowded spinal column compresses the nerve roots and spinal cord, which may trigger pain, numbness or mobility problems.

Although a laminectomy is typically successful at relieving symptoms, performing a spinal fusion usually results in a longer recovery period and restricts the patient's back movements, notes WebMD.