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| Laminectomy And Laminotomy |
| Preparing for Surgery |
An exam and tests are often done weeks before a laminotomy or laminectomy. Be sure to prepare for your surgery as instructed. Once at the hospital, you may be given forms to fill out. You may also meet with the person who gives the anesthesia (the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist).
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| Your Exam and Tests |
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| Imaging tests, such as x-rays and MRIs, help your doctor plan your surgery. |
You'll have an exam to make sure you are healthy enough to have surgery. Be sure to tell your surgeon about all the over-the-counter and prescription medications you take. You will need to stop taking anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. before surgery. If you smoke, you should stop or do your best to cut down. Before surgery, you may have some or all of the following tests: |
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Imaging tests, such as x-rays and MRls |
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An EGG (electrocardiogram)
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Blood and urine tests |
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| Preparing at Home |
| Stock up on supplies. Also, protect your back by storing commonly used items between hip and shoulder level. |
Make life easier and movement safer after surgery. Try these tips:
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Store supplies between hip and shoulder level. That way you can get to them without reaching or bending. |
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Arrange for rides. You may not be able to drive for a week or more after surgery.
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Find someone to help with chores and to run errands. |
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Get a pair of slip-on shoes with closed backs. That way, you won't have to bend to put on your shoes. |
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| The Day of Surgery |
| You may brush your teeth on the day of surgery, but stop eating and drinking as instructed. |
| You should stop eating and drinking: |
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By the midnight before surgery. |
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___ hours before surgery. |
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In most cases, you can brush your teeth before going to the hospital. If you take a daily medication, find out if you should take it the morning of surgery. If you are to take it, swallow with only a sip of water. |
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| At the Hospital |
You may be told to arrive at the hospital a few hours before surgery. Once there, your temperature and blood pressure will be taken. In some cases, tests may be done. Then one or more IV (intravenous) lines will be started. These lines provide the fluid and medications you need during surgery. |
| About the Anesthesia |
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| The anesthesiologist may ask you questions before surgery. |
Before surgery, you may meet with the person who will give the anesthesia. He or she may ask about your health history and check your weight. This helps determine the amount of anesthesia you will need to "sleep" through the surgery.
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| Risks of Surgery |
| As with any surgery, laminotomy and laminectomy each have some risks. These include |
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Damage to a nerve
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Blood clots |
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Spinal fluid leak |
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Infection |
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| During Your Surgery |
Once in the operating room, you'll be given anesthesia. After you are asleep, an incision is made near the center of your low back. Your incision may be 2 to 6 inches long, depending on how many vertebrae are involved. In some cases, removing part or all of the lamina may be enough to relieve pressure on the nerve. But most often, disk matter or bone spurs must also be removed. Once the nerve is free of pressure, the incision is closed with stitches or staples. |
| Laminotomy |
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| Part of the lamina is removed from the vertebra above and below the pinched nerve. |
During a laminotomy, part of the lamina is removed from the vertebra above and below the pinched nerve. The small opening created is sometimes enough to take pressure off the nerve. But in most cases, disk matter or a bone spur that is pressing on the nerve is also removed.
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| Laminectomy |
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| The entire lamina is removed from the affected vertebra. In some cases, laminectomy involves two or more vertebrae. |
During a laminectomy, the lamina is removed from the affected vertebra. The opening created may be enough to take pressure off the nerve. If needed, your surgeon can also remove any bone spurs or disk matter still pressing on the nerve. After laminectomy, the opening in the spine is protected by the thick back muscles.
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