Lumbar Decompression Surgery

This procedure offers significant pain relief for properly selected patients, with many experiencing improved mobility shortly after surgery. The operation can prevent further nerve damage and restore normal sensation. Performed by specialist spinal surgeons, the technique has high success rates when conservative treatments fail. Most patients report better quality of life and ability to perform daily activities post-recovery. 

• Spinal stenosis
• Slipped disc and sciatica
• Spinal injuries
• Metastatic spinal cord compression
• Spinal tumours
• Lumbar decompression surgery may be considered if you experience serious side effects when taking medications that affect your ability to work.

Surgery may become likely if difficult symptoms last up to 2 months. Surgery around 4 months after symptoms start is seen by some as the right time for the best results and recovery.

You will usually be well enough to leave hospital about 1-4 days after having surgery, depending on the complexity of the surgery and your level of mobility before the operation. You may be asked to return to hospital for one or more follow-up appointments in the weeks after your operation to check on your recovery Most people are able to walk unassisted within a day of having the operation, although more strenuous activities will need to be avoided for about 6 weeks. You may be able to return to work after about 4-6 weeks, although you may need more time off if your job involves driving for long periods or lifting heavy objects.

Pain

Immediately after surgery, you will have some pain in and around the area where the operation was carried out. You will be given pain relief to ensure you are comfortable and to help you move. It can take up to 6 weeks for the general pain and tiredness after your operation to disappear completely.

Stitches

You will have stitches or staples to close any cuts or incisions made during your operation. If dissolvable stitches are used, they do not need to be removed. Non-dissolvable stitches or staples will be removed 5 to 10 days after your operation. Your stitches will be covered with an adhesive dressing. Be careful not to get your dressing wet when you wash. After removal of the stitches, you won’t need to change your dressing, and will be able to bathe and shower as normal

Rehabilitation

Your medical team will want you to get up and moving about as soon as possible, usually from the day after the operation. This is because inactivity can increase your risk of developing a blood clot in the leg (DVT), and movement can speed up the recovery process. After your operation, a physiotherapist will help you safely regain strength and movement. They will teach you some simple exercises you can do at home to help your recovery.

Driving

Before starting to drive again, you should be free from the effects of any painkillers that may make you drowsy. You should be comfortable in the driving position and be able to do an emergency stop without experiencing any pain. Most people feel ready to drive after 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the size of the operation.  

The aim of lumbar decompression surgery is to relieve the pressure on your spinal cord or nerves, while maintaining as much of the strength and flexibility of your spine as possible. If lumbar decompression surgery is recommended, you’ll usually have at least 1 of the following procedures:

• Laminectomy – where a section of bone is removed from 1 of your vertebrae to relieve pressure on the affected nerve
• Discectomy – where a section of a damaged disc is removed to relieve pressure on a nerve
• Spinal fusion – where 2 or more vertebrae are joined together with a section of bone to stabilise and strengthen the spine

In many cases, a combination of these techniques may be used. You will be asked to attend a pre-operative assessment appointment a few days or weeks before your operation. Lumbar decompression is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, which means you will be unconscious during the procedure. The surgery usually takes at least an hour, but may take much longer, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Healthcare Abroad UK will require your medical images and report prior to your travel. We send this to the surgical team through Zed Technologies, which is a secure facility for transferring medical images. You can access your images though any of the following ways:

• CD – Contact the radiology department in the hospital where you got the scans.
• Affidea – You can access and share them via Affidea patient connect.

We will work with your GP to expedite new scans to send to the surgical team.

Call the hospital where you had your operation, or your GP, for advice if:

• There is leaking fluid or redness at the site of your wound
• your stitches come out
• your dressing becomes soaked with blood
• you have a fever of 38oC
• you have increasing pain, numbness or weakness in your legs, back or buttocks
• you cannot move your legs
• you cannot urinate or control your bladder
• you have a severe headache
• you experience a sudden shortness of breath – this could be a sign of pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, or other heart and lung problems

Your pathway begins with a detailed consultation at our London clinic or online, where our spinal specialist reviews your medical history and imaging scans. We then arrange a pre-operative assessment at our partnered Vithas hospital, where your surgeon will create a personalised treatment plan before scheduling your procedure date.

Before surgery, you'll complete a full health evaluation including blood tests and cardiac screening. Our team will review all current medications and provide guidance on any necessary adjustments. We strongly recommend smoking cessation at least six weeks prior to surgery to enhance healing. Some patients benefit from prehabilitation exercises to strengthen core muscles before their procedure. 

You'll recover in our specialist spinal unit with 24/7 medical support from our nursing team. Most patients stand and walk within hours of surgery, with hospital stays typically lasting 2-3 days. Your consultant will conduct daily progress reviews and adjust your recovery plan as needed before discharge.

While uncommon, risks may include temporary numbness, mild swelling or stiffness around the surgical site. More serious complications like infection or blood clots are rare thanks to our strict sterile protocols and early mobilisation programme. 

Our dedicated physiotherapists begin working with you the day after surgery, teaching safe movement techniques to protect your healing spine. You'll learn customised exercises to rebuild strength and flexibility, with proven benefits for both short-term recovery and long-term spinal health.

Lumbar decompression surgery is usually only considered if non-surgical treatments for your lower spine haven’t worked and symptoms are affecting your quality of life.

• Non-surgical treatments include:
• Pain Medication
• Physiotherapy
• Spinal injection therapy – course of spinal injections, which include a local anaesthetic and steroid, are injected to help reduce swelling and inflammation. It can be used along with physiotherapy