What is surgery for stenosis?

Surgery for spinal stenosis is decompressive laminectomy, according to WebMD. This is the most common surgery done to relieve the pain and pressure of spinal stenosis, especially when it affects the lower back.

During laminectomy, a surgeon removes parts of the vertebrae or abnormal tissue that are causing the spinal canal to narrow and press on the spinal nerve, says WebMD.

During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the patient's back, claims WebMD. He may also perform a spinal fusion to stabilize the patient's spine. To do this, he uses living bone from the patient or a bone bank. He can also strengthen the bone graft with wires, screws or other metal implants.