From Anne Asher,
Your Guide to Back & Neck Pain.
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The purpose of surgery for spinal stenosis is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves, and also to provide spinal stability.

The most common surgery performed for spinal stenosis cases is the decompressive lumbar laminectomy. In this procedure, the lamina and spinous process of the vertebra are removed. See pictures of the parts of a vertebra, if you need a reference. Other areas encroached upon by bone are trimmed down. Sometimes this procedure is accompanied by a spinal fusion.

Surgery is not a cure-all, so the decision to use it is a serious one, requiring careful consideration. Additionally, there are risks associated with surgery including but not limited to infection, damage to the nerves, deep vein thrombosis and a tear in the meninges at the place of surgery. If this occurs, a major complication may develop if cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks through the skin, possibly leading to a meningitis infection. A tear in the meninges can also lead to arachnoiditis.

Most of the time surgery for spinal stenosis is performed on older people, so other complications may arise, depending on the patient's condition.