Question 1

what does laminectomy signify?

Accepted Answer

The back part: The lamina is the flat part of the bone on the back side of the spinal bone (vertebra) that helps form the channel for the sac containing the spinal cord (neck and mid back) and nerves (low back). Laminectomy removes all or almost all of this bone without removing the small joints (facets) next to it. Surgeons usually try to limit the amount removed without compromising the operation's goal.

Question 2

what is decompression laminectomy?

Accepted Answer

Laminectomy: This is the surgical removal of the spinous process and lamina of the spine along with the ligamentum flavum.  Usually done to treat spinal stenosis by creating room for the nerves of the spine.

Question 3

is ?drainage common?after a?laminectomy?

Accepted Answer

It can be: Call your surgeon immediately.
Drainage from your wound may be something simple like a seroma, but the chances are high that it may be an infection.  Do not delay.  Call right now if you have any drainage.

Question 4

how big? is the incision for a laminectomy?

Accepted Answer

About an inch: For a single level laminectomy, the incision will be about 1 inch.
For each additional level, add about an inch.  It may be a little bigger or smaller, but this is a pretty good estimation.

Question 5

is having sciatica after laminectomy normal?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Laminectomy can help relieve the pressure off a squeezed nerve. Sometimes there can be more bone spur formation, scar tissue, or repeat herniated disc which can cause more sciatica symptoms. Some sciatica symptoms can be permanent and continue even after laminectomy.

Question 6

how long is the typical incision for a laminectomy?

Accepted Answer

2-5 inches: Longer if your thick.

Question 7

how much time should post op laminectomy pain last?

Accepted Answer

6-8 weeks: The recovery time is 6-8 weeks.  Check out  spine-health.Com.  Good luck.

Question 8

i have post laminectomy syndrome. ?what can be done?

Accepted Answer

Spinal Cord Stim.: The best indication for a spinal cord stimulator is failed low back surgery syndrome or post laminectomy syndrome.
See a pain specialist in your area that employs this procedure.

Question 9

what is recovery time laminectomy and fusion surgery?

Accepted Answer

This varies as to : The type of fusion done, number of levels involved as well as the type of instrumentation ( if any) that was used.  In general, assuming normal healing ( not smoking, not a diabetic, not a revision surgery, not hypothyroid or malnourished) usually after several months for most activities with fusion 6 months to a year to all activities -closer to a year for activities like golf.

Question 10

what is the recovery time after? laminectomy surgery?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It's not totally simple. 
How many levels were operated on?
Why was it done?

A good answer for you is that walking immediately after surgery is your best exercise.  You will need at least 2-3 months before you attempt any vigorous exercise.  Remember that with spine surgery, this is a marathon, not a sprint.
Go low and slow with your activity to get the best result.

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What does laminectomy signify?

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Is having sciatica after laminectomy normal?

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How long is the typical incision for a laminectomy?

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How much time should post op laminectomy pain last?

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I have post laminectomy syndrome. ?what can be done?

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What is recovery time laminectomy and fusion surgery?

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What is the recovery time after? laminectomy surgery?

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