Is a laminectomy the same as a discectomy?

A laminectomy is a procedure to remove a greater portion of the bone (lamina) covering the roof of the spinal canal. A discectomy is a procedure to remove a portion of a herniated disc in the spine, which is bulging and pushing on a nerve.

Why would you need a cervical laminectomy?

A cervical laminectomy is performed for certain patients with cervical spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal. Stenosis may be caused by a number of degenerative spine conditions, including wear and tear on the bones, discs, and ligaments.

What is the success rate of cervical laminectomy?

Overall, 80-90% of patients will obtain a significant benefit from surgery, and this is usually maintained in the long term. Generally, the symptom that improves the most reliably after surgery is arm pain.

What is the recovery time for a cervical discectomy?

It may take up to 8 weeks to get back to your usual activities. How long it takes may depend on what kind of surgery you had. Your doctor may advise you to work with a physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles around your neck and back.

Can you have a discectomy without a laminectomy?

Generally speaking, you need a discectomy if the problem is related to the vertebral discs, and a laminectomy if you have problems with the back of the vertebrae. Both surgeries receive pressure on nerves and the spinal cord, but they address different structures.

How long does a laminectomy and discectomy take?

How long is the procedure? Both procedures take about one hour.

Is a cervical laminectomy painful?

Your neck will probably feel stiff or sore. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. You may need pain medicine for a short time. Your doctor may advise you to work with a physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles around your neck and spine.

Does cervical laminectomy require fusion?

Cervical Spinal Fusion Surgery Cervical laminectomies are sometimes done with a cervical fusion surgery. If a posterior laminectomy is done without a cervical fusion surgery, there is a post-operative risk of developing instability that may lead to pain and deformity.

Is cervical discectomy major surgery?

While it is a relatively safe and routine procedure, it is still major surgery. Patients are correct to ask many questions before committing to it, including how neck mobility might be affected.

What to expect after a discectomy in the neck?

You can expect your neck to feel stiff or sore. This should improve in the weeks after surgery. You may have trouble sitting or standing in one position for very long and may need pain medicine in the weeks after your surgery. It may take up to 8 weeks to get back to your usual activities.

When to do laminectomy surgery?

Conservative treatment,such as medication or physical therapy,fails to improve your symptoms

How is microdiscectomy surgery performed?

A microdiscectomy is performed through the back, so the patient lies face down on the operating table for the surgery. General anesthesia is used, and the procedure usually takes about one to two hours. A microdiscectomy is performed through a 1 to 1½-inch incision in the midline of the low back.

What is laminectomy surgery?

A laminectomy is a type of back surgery used to relieve compression on the spinal cord. During the procedure, your doctor will remove the lamina. The lamina is part of the bone that forms the vertebral arch in the spine. Your doctor will also remove bone spurs. These structures can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

What is microdiscectomy spine surgery?

Microdiscectomy. Microdiscectomy is an outpatient surgical procedure employed to relieve the pressure over the spinal cord and/or nerve roots, caused by a ruptured (herniated) intervertebral disc. A herniated disc, common in the lower back (lumbar spine) occurs when the inner gelatinous substance of the disc escapes through a tear in the outer,…