Risks and potential complications associated with a lumbar laminectomy include:

• Dural tear (cerebrospinal fluid leak)
• Nerve root damage
• Recurrent disc herniation
• Bowel/bladder incontinence
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Death

These complications are quite rare. A dural tear, which occurs in 1% to 2% of these surgeries, does not change the results of surgery, but post-operatively the patient may be asked to lay recumbent for one to two days to allow the leak to seal.

In addition, lumbar laminectomy carries a few added potential complications because it is a larger procedure, and greater proportions of elderly patients have this procedure. Post-operatively, there is also the added risk of a slipped vertebral body (postlaminectomy spondylolisthesis) if the remaining bones are not strong enough to support the spine.