What to Know About Hemilaminectomy

One of the most common back surgeries is a laminectomy. A surgeon removes the back section of one or more spinal bones during a laminectomy (vertebrae). It is possible to remove bone spurs and ligaments that are pushing on nerves at the same time. Before, during, and after your laminectomy, here's what to expect.

Before The Surgery
During one of your office visits before to your laminectomy, you should receive extensive instructions on how to prepare from your surgeon's team. Before the surgery, here's what you should do and prepare for:
- The night before your laminectomy, don't eat or drink anything after midnight.
- Dress loosely and comfortably. Wear no jewelry, particularly necklaces or bracelets.
- Bring your insurance card and cash for any co-payments or documentation that may be necessary.
- Bring someone to drive you home and assist you take care of yourself if your doctor thinks you'll be able to go home the same day.
- Prepare to go slowly for a time. Stock up on food and complete as many errands and housekeeping tasks as you can.
- Let your friends and family know you'll be having surgery so they can assist you during your recuperation.

On the day of your laminectomy, make sure to:
- A secluded place will be provided for you to change into a loose-fitting medical gown.
- On a stretcher or bed, you'll wait in a "pre-op" area. Your surgeon, anesthesiologist, or the assistant to the anesthesiologist will come to see you and examine you.
- You'll be taken to the surgery room once everyone is ready.

During The Surgery
The majority of laminectomies are done under general anesthesia with artificial breathing. What will happen is as follows:
- A mask with a mixture of oxygen and anesthetic gas will be placed over your face by the anesthesiologist or an assistant. To assist you relax, you may be given medications through your veins. You'll be knocked out in a matter of seconds. General anesthesia is what it's called.
- The anesthesiologist will next place a plastic tube into your windpipe, or trachea, through your mouth and vocal chords. This is referred to as intubation.
- A ventilator, or breathing equipment, will pump air into and out of your lungs throughout operation. Throughout the procedure, your vital signs will be continuously monitored.
- To get access to your back, you'll be rolled over into a face-down position.

The surgeon will next proceed to execute the laminectomy:
- Over the afflicted area, the surgeon will create an incision in your back skin. The muscles and soft tissues around the spine will be pushed away from the spine, exposing it.
- The surgeon will then remove any bone spurs, ligaments, or bone that is compressing nerves. Decompression is the term for this. Depending on the purpose for the operation, the surgeon may remove a little section or a big portion of many spinal bones.
- Some people may need a spinal fusion to stabilize their spine, a specific implant to help support the bones in the lower back but not restrict motion like a fusion does, a disc removed, or more bone removal to expand the passageway where nerves exit the spinal canal.

The wound will be stitched, you will be rolled back over, the anaesthetic will be turned off, and the breathing tube will be withdrawn at the conclusion of the procedure.

After The Surgery
Following the laminectomy, the following will occur in the hospital or surgery center:
- You'll be sent to a "post-op" area for observation and continuous vital sign monitoring. After a laminectomy, most people are awake but foggy for many hours.
- Although some people are able to return home the same day, the majority must stay in the hospital for at least one day.
- You will experience lower backache. Pain medicine will be given to you.
- You may need assistance getting out of bed and walking for a few days after your laminectomy, depending on the complexity of your operation.