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One of the traditional ways of treating a herniated disc is to perform a discectomy and laminectomy. The discectomy means “remove the disc” and laminectomy means “make an opening in the lamina”. The surgery laminectomy is performed to remove the spongy tissue between the spine disks and to help relieve an injured disc symptoms. Difference between discectomy and laminectomy The actual difference between a discectomy and a laminectomy lies at the part of the spine where the operation is concerned with. However both surgeries are done to relieve pain associated with trapped spinal nerves. The major difference is- a discectomy surgery is performed on the spinal discs and a laminectomy surgery is performed on the arched portion of the vertebrae of the spine. Why Laminectomy is performed? It is most often done to treat spinal stenosis. The operation makes more room for your spinal nerve and column and also removes bones and damaged disks. The common symptoms for which the surgery has been done includes: • Feel pain or numbness when you are walking or standing. • May be you feel weakness or heaviness in your legs. • May have problems controlling your bowel and bladder. How the procedure performed? Under general anesthesia, the whole procedure is performed through an incision down the back center over the area of the herniated disc. To make the back of the vertebrae visible for the surgeon, the muscles are moved to the side and X-ray may be required to make sure that correct vertebra is located during surgery. On the back of the spinal column, a small opening cut through the lamina bone and upon locating the problem disc, the surgeon removes it and easy irritation and pressure on the nerves of the spine. Some small tools or instruments that fit inside the disc are usually used to remove as much nucleus as possible. This removal of remaining disc material prevents it from herniating later in the future. After that the muscles of the back are returned to their normal position and skin incision is repaired with metal staples. Precautions to take during Discectomy recovery During recovery, it is essential to remain somewhat active. Avoid heavy lifting and light exercise like walking should be done whenever possible. However you need to be relatively inactive for two weeks. Walking is the most important exercise you should do as it will keep you active and help to offset the risk of blood clots and lung congestion. As spine is the very delicate part of the body, after surgery won’t put undue pressure on the surgical wound or spine. In addition avoid sitting for longer period of time and avoid lifting during the first two weeks of recovery, avoid lifting weight heavier than 4.55 kg or 10 pounds. Recovery from Laminectomy It may take up to 12 weeks. Usually surgery requires a three day hospital stay and after that patient should follow a physician’s healing plan for fast recovery. Start walking after 24 hours of surgery and your physician may recommend you to have physical therapy sessions to build muscle strength, reduce muscles spasms and improve range of the neck motion. SAMA hospital is a preferred choice for all Orthopedic Treatments including spine care such as discectomy, laminectomy, vertebroplasty, surgical fracture care, total joint replacement, Knee Replacement Surgery and rotator cuff repair. We take pride in holding ourselves up to the highest ethical and moral standard, as befits the practice of medicine.
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