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 is a microdiscectomy?

Accepted Answer

Remove fragment: A microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure done by a trained spine surgeon which involves an incision (approx. 3cm) over the level where the disc is herniated.  We use a microscope to help visualize the nerves and identify the disc herniation.  Then carefully remove the disc fragment any any loose pieces to relieve the nerve impingement.  The majority of the healthy disc remains intact.

Question 4

microdiscectomy --whos it done on?

Accepted Answer

Pinched nerve: A microdiskectomy is an option for a patient with symptoms of a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine that persist in spite of non operative measures.

Question 5

is there any pain involved in a microdiscectomy?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Microdisectomy surgery done with small incision, the patient have but like doing regular disctomy.

Question 6

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 7

is a laminectomy dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Let me explain: All surgery have risk in general and some have particular risk because the locations.
Be sure to ask the doctor about that and how many complications he had before with this surgery. Thousands of laminectomies  done in the usa every year there are about 1-3 % possible complications.

Question 8

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 9

how does a laminectomy function?

Accepted Answer

Less nerve pressure: The lamina is the part of the bony spine that covers the back part of the nerve and the spinal cord.  A laminectomy means removing the lamina.  This can relieve some of the pressure off the spinal cord or the nerves.  This can results in less pain, numbness, and/or weakness radiating into the extremities.

Question 10

what is laminectomy defect mean

Accepted Answer

Old surgery: 'laminectomy defect' just means prior surgery or laminectomy seen on a imaging study (usually an mri).

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Why do a lamectomy rather than a microdiscectomy

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Microdiscectomy versus laminectomy, what's the difference?

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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?

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What is a microdiscectomy?

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Microdiscectomy --whos it done on?

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Is there any pain involved in a microdiscectomy?

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What's a laminectomy?

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Is a laminectomy dangerous?

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What does laminectomy signify?

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How does a laminectomy function?

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What is laminectomy defect mean

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