Question 1

microdiscectomy versus laminectomy, what's the difference?

Accepted Answer

A laminectomy is a : Surgical removal of the roof of the spine to gain access into the spinal canal to treat conditions within that region which can include a large disc herniation but also for spinal stenosis ortumor as examples. A microdisectomy creates small opening  into the roof of the spine known as a laminotomy to remove disc herniation with aid of a surgical microscope or with special magnifying glasses-loupes.

Question 2

had a l5-s1 microdiscectomy and laminectomy eight months ago. although i am no longer in excruciating bouts of pain, why is standing > 20 min so hard?

Accepted Answer

For some there is : Ongoing back pain as the disc no longer functions to support prolonged loads such as standing which is 2x body weight across the low back discs.  this occurs in about 10% of miscrodisectomy cases. One should stay trim, not smoke and work on core strength as well as cardio endurance as well as flexibility to minimize symptoms - use proper body mechanics and minimize prolonged positioning.

Question 3

what's a  laminectomy?

Accepted Answer

Removal of lamina: -ectomy means removal.  Lamina is a portion of the vertebra.  Google vertebra and look at a diagram.   The lamina should be labeled.  It is removed to decompress the nerves if they are compressed.  It alleviates leg pain and leg weakness when standing or walking.  It does not treat back pain.  If anything, it makes back pain worse.

Question 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

how long is the typical incision for a laminectomy?

Accepted Answer

2-5 inches: Longer if your thick.

Question 9

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 10

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.

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Doctor answers about:

Microdiscectomy vs laminectomy

A member asked:

Microdiscectomy versus laminectomy, what's the difference?

A member asked:

Had a l5-s1 microdiscectomy and laminectomy eight months ago. although i am no longer in excruciating bouts of pain, why is standing > 20 min so hard?

A member asked:

What's a laminectomy?

A member asked:

What is decompression laminectomy?

A member asked:

Is ?drainage common?after a?laminectomy?

A member asked:

How big? is the incision for a laminectomy?

A member asked:

Is having sciatica after laminectomy normal?

A member asked:

How long is the typical incision for a laminectomy?

A member asked:

How much time should post op laminectomy pain last?

A member asked:

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

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