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Lumbar decompression surgery
- Rated ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ by 97% of orthopaedic patients
- Widest range of private spinal treatments in London
- Get an appointment in as little as 24 hrs
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Lumbar decompression at HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, our spinal team includes some of the UK’s leading spinal orthopaedic and neurosurgical consultants. Their experience and expertise means they’re able to tailor every aspect of your treatment to your specific needs.
With the latest imaging technology, our teams are able to diagnose your condition quickly and accurately, giving you fast access to the most effective course of treatment, and getting you back to doing the things you love.
It’s this approach that has helped thousands of people just like you and it’s why 97% of our orthopaedic patients said they’d recommend HCA UK to their family and friends (2024 patient satisfaction surveys).
Lumbar decompression surgery is a procedure to treat compressed nerves in your lower spine, when other treatments haven't eased your pain. We offer many types of lumbar decompression surgery, among the most common are:
- Laminotomy and laminectomy: A section of, or the entire, lamina – the arched part of the vertebra – is removed to widen your spinal canal and relieve pressure on the affected nerve. In a laminotomy, only part of the lamina is removed. A laminectomy is when the entire lamina – or multiple laminae – are removed.
- Discectomy: A procedure during which a section of the slipped disc is removed to relieve pressure on a nerve. If there are any bone spurs or a synovial cyst (fluid-filled sac), these are removed too.
- Foraminotomy or foraminectomy: Both procedures enlarge the openings in your spinal column by removing excess bone or a bulging disc. This relieves pressure on any compressed nerves in that area. The process is the same for both procedures, but more bone is removed in a foraminectomy.
- Corpectomy: A much bigger procedure than a discectomy, a corpectomy involves your surgeon removing the large front portion of your vertebra and, possibly, the damaged disc in order to relieve the pressure on your spinal cord and nerves.
- Minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery: We also have the technology and expertise to carry out minimally invasive surgery on your lower spine. The use of smaller incisions causes much less damage to your muscles and soft tissues and often results in a faster recovery.
The type of procedure depends on several factors, including the specific diagnosis you receive and what your surgeon finds during your operation. For example, your surgeon may intend to treat you for a slipped disc, but find that an additional procedure, such as a laminectomy, is required while your operation is underway.
They’ll make highly informed choices at every stage to deliver the best possible outcomes for your spinal condition, based on their experience and best clinical practice.
There’s good evidence that lumbar decompression surgery can be very effective for long-term pain relief and improved function. In the short-term, your personal recovery time will depend on whether you had one or more procedures during your operation, and on how well your body responds to the surgery.
You’re likely to need to stay one or two nights in hospital. The day after your operation, a physiotherapist or a nurse will help to get you moving. Before leaving the hospital, you'll be advised to gradually increase your activity levels while avoiding strenuous activities beyond walking for about six weeks.
You should be able to return to work in four to six weeks unless your job involves heavy lifting or prolonged driving.
It varies according to the tests and treatment you require. You can pay through your medical insurance provider or self-fund. You can find out more about how to access private health care below.
No.1
in London for private orthopaedic care
30+
different spinal treatments with care tailored to you
97%
of our patients would recommend us to family and friends
Next-day appointments
See a specialist in as little as 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours.
Multidisciplinary teams
Expert treatment with specialist care for complex cases
What to expect
The lumbar decompression surgery process
From the moment you step through the door, until you’re ready to leave, we want you to feel as comfortable and reassured as possible, every step of the way.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to prepare you for your visit and let you know what to expect at each stage.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQ section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
01
Initial consultation
Whether you’ve self-referred or have a referral from your GP, physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor, the first step is always an initial consultation with one of our specialists.
Many conditions may affect this area such as spinal stenosis, a slipped disc, sciatica, metastatic spinal cord compression or a spinal injury. Your consultant will talk to you about your condition and any pain or related problems you may be experiencing.
02
Investigations and diagnosis
Your consultant may suggest different imaging tests to better understand your injury. These can include X-rays or an MRI scan, and will help to confirm the location and extent of the damage.
A specialist musculoskeletal radiologist will review the results, after which your consultant will discuss your treatment plan with you. With state-of-the-art imaging technology at our disposal, we can accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the most effective pathway.
03
Treatment
Your consultant will explain how spinal decompression surgery works, which type is recommended for you, and why. You’ll be encouraged to ask questions at every stage. This can be a stressful time, and our team is here for you throughout, making sure you feel comfortable and informed about the surgical procedure you’re having every step of the way.
04
Aftercare
You’ll most likely need to stay in hospital for one or two nights so your team can monitor your condition. The day after your operation, a physiotherapist or a nurse will help to get you moving, and the amount of movement is increased daily.
You’ll need to arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital, as you won't be able to drive. It's also worth seeing if someone can assist you with your day-to-day activities once you’re at home.
Where can I have lumbar spinal decompression surgery?
You can access our specialist orthopaedic services at locations throughout London and in our flagship Birmingham hospital The Harborne. From initial consultation through to treatment and next steps, you’ll be treated by some of the country’s most respected experts.
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Lumbar decompression FAQs
With the latest, state-of-the-art diagnostic technology at their disposal, our highly experienced orthopaedic spinal teams and imaging experts are able to give you an accurate diagnosis of your condition, and recommend the most effective course of treatment.
It may be that non-surgical options such as lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, ice and heat treatment, steroid injections or painkillers are the best treatment to help alleviate your symptoms. We’ll only recommend lumbar decompression surgery after other treatment options have been considered or tried, so you’ll know it’s the right course of action for you.
And, if you do need surgery, we offer the widest range of private spinal treatments in London.
To discuss any pain you're experiencing with one of our spinal consultants and talk about next steps, simply call us or book an appointment online for your preferred hospital location.
You’ll need to have your GP referral letter and private medical insurance reference number to hand (unless you’re self-funding) as this can help speed up the booking process.
We’ll confirm your appointment with you directly and if you have any special requests, we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Your consultant will explain how spinal decompression surgery works. In the days before your operation, it's worth taking the time to plan for your return home post-surgery. You’ll need to arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital after your procedure, as you won't be able to drive. It's worth seeing if someone can assist you with your day-to-day activities for a few weeks too.
As you'll be given a general anaesthetic, your consultant will tell you how long to avoid eating and drinking before your procedure.
As with any type of surgery, there are risks that you need to consider. With lumbar decompression surgery, these include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- A reaction to the anaesthesia
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Blood clots and deep vein thrombosis
- Spinal fluid leaking
Your specific condition may mean there are other risks to be aware of too. Your consultant will discuss any concerns with you before the procedure.
Our patients' spinal stories
Getting back to normal after spinal surgery: Ruth’s story
When consultant spinal surgeon Mr Robert Lee first glanced at the MRI scan of retired music teacher Ruth’s lumbar spine, he did a double take.
"I took an eight-hour flight to the States ten days after spinal surgery"
After suffering months of discomfort, Sara’s lower back and shooting leg pain became so excruciating she could barely stand, and was diagnosed with a slipped disc. Her consultant referred her to Mr Irfan Malik, a highly experienced consultant neurosurgeon at The Harley Street Clinic who could perform endoscopic ‘keyhole’ spinal surgery.
Back on track: How surgery helped a visitor from America get free from pain
Brandon Zuck had just arrived in the UK from America. It was the beginning of a holiday he’d been looking forward to, a chance to catch up with friends, a little sightseeing. Needless to say, a complex surgical procedure was not on the must-do list.
“I can't compliment Mr Lee enough. A totally reliable and professional person. If he said, ‘I'll come and see you at 7 in the morning’, you could be quite sure he would come at 7, just like he said. It was all so reassuring. The nurses were also outstanding.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.