What is the difference between a laminectomy and a foraminotomy?

A foraminotomy is a surgical procedure designed to lower pressure within the spinal canal by enlarging the passageway through which a spinal nerve root branches from the spinal canal. A laminectomy is a procedure to remove a greater portion of the bone (lamina) covering the roof of the spinal canal.

Is a laminectomy and a discectomy the same thing?

Generally speaking, you need a discectomy if the problem is related to the vertebral discs, and a laminectomy if you have problems with the back of the vertebrae. Both surgeries receive pressure on nerves and the spinal cord, but they address different structures.

How long is recovery from laminectomy and discectomy?

The recovery time for laminectomy and discectomy is typically between six weeks to six months or longer. Laminectomy and discectomy are two different major surgical procedures, where a small portion of the bone or other tissue is removed from the backbone. They are commonly performed for back pain and spine conditions.

How serious is a discectomy?

What are the risks? No surgery is without risks. General complications of any surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and reactions to anesthesia. If spinal fusion is done at the same time as a discectomy, there is a greater risk of complications.

How long before nerve pain goes away after laminectomy?

Sometimes this is a temporary condition as the nerve root or roots take time to heal. This can take days to weeks. If the pain is still there after 3 months, it is unlikely to improve on its own.

Is a discectomy a major operation?

Even though microdiscectomy recovery times are generally much faster than more invasive spinal surgeries, they’re still major procedures that involve general anesthetic.

How long is hospital stay after discectomy?

You should expect to stay in hospital for approximately 3 – 7 days depending on your age, operation, home circumstances etc. 2. Choose light loose pajamas or nightdress that can go over your corset which you will need to wear after the operation.

How long is recovery after discectomy?

The overall lumbar discectomy recovery time is approximately 4 to 6 weeks, but you may be feeling back to normal well before that time. Be sure to work closely with your doctor to understand how your specific lumbar discectomy recovery time should progress.

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