Laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the lamina or bony arch of a vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It is typically performed to treat spinal stenosis or a herniated disc that causes back pain, leg pain, and numbness. The procedure may also involve removing other spinal structures that are causing compression, such as bone spurs or thickened ligaments. Laminectomy can be performed as an open surgery or minimally invasive procedure, depending on the extent of the problem and the patient's condition.