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May 25, 2013
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Lumbar Laminectomy (cont.)

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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-inflammatory medications 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.
  • You will be instructed to take no food or drink by mouth after midnight on the day of surgery. Most surgeons do allow you to brush your teeth and take medicine.

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Lumbar Laminectomy - Recovery

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What was the recovery period for your lumbar laminectomy?

Chronic Pain/Back Pain

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Lumbar Degenerative Disk Disease »

Descriptions of treatment for low back pain (LBP) date to Hippocrates (460-370 BCE), who reported joint manipulation and use of traction.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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