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Lumbar Laminectomy Preparation

• Weeks before your surgery is scheduled, both your doctor and a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon will examine you to make sure you are healthy enough for the surgery.
  
  
• A few days before the surgery, you will meet with the anesthesiologist to discuss your options. Usually you will have either a general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.
  
  
  • You should give the surgeon and anesthesiologist a list of all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications you are taking.
    
    
  • The doctor may instruct you to stop taking anti-inflammatories such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) before surgery.
    
    
  • If you smoke, you should stop or at least cut down before surgery.
  
  
• Imaging tests such as x-rays and MRIs will be done. Many hospitals and surgeons require other tests such as ECGs (a heart tracing) and routine blood work before surgery.
  
  
• On the day of surgery, take no food or drink by mouth after midnight. Most surgeons do allow you to brush your teeth and take medicine.
  
  
• You should arrive at the hospital about 2 hours early to do paperwork, last-minute tests, and prepare for the surgery.