Laminectomy and Disectomy

Your doctor has recommended surgery on your back to correct your present condition. This surgery is called a laminectomy (lam-uh- NEK-tuh-me) and/or discectomy (dis-EKtuh-me). A laminectomy is the removal of the lamina (LAM-in-uh), or spongy tissue between the disks in the spine, to help relieve the symptoms of an injured disk. A discectomy is the removal of an injured disk.

An incision (cut) will be made on your back over the affected area of your spine (see the diagram below). A small amount of disk and bone will be removed from over the nerve roots. The size of the incision will depend on how many vertebras, or segments of the spine, are affected. Your doctor will talk with you about the type of operation you need. The surgery will take about one to three hours. The average length of stay in the hospital is one to three days.

Your incision will be closed with either metal staples or stitches, which may be secured with Steri-strip tapes, paperlike strips that stick to your skin and help
keep the sides of the incision from shifting. The metal staples will be removed by your doctor or visiting nurse about 14 days after the surgery. The stitches will dissolve completely. The Steri-strips will fall off by themselves, usually within two weeks of surgery.

After the operation, you will be given ice chips and clear liquids. When normal bowel function returns, you will be able to eat a regular diet. This usually occurs within two days.

The first morning after surgery, staff will help you get out of bed to sit in a chair for 20 minutes. Sitting and walking should be limited to 20 minutes at a time to keep your back from getting sore. Physical therapy will begin on the first day after your surgery. The staff of the physical therapy department will teach you proper body movement and exercises to strengthen your back. A staff member or physical therapist will help you get a cane or walker if needed after surgery.

A brace or corset is usually needed to provide extra support for your back after surgery. You will be measured for the brace the morning after surgery. You must wear the brace while walking or sitting in a chair. At home, you may get up to go to the bathroom at night without putting on the brace. You may sit on the side of the bed for a short period of time without the brace.

At Home

• Do not return to work until your doctor says you may.
• Do not drive while you are wearing your brace — usually for six weeks. Your reaction time may be slower due to pain or certain prescribed medications. This is a safety concern as well as a legal issue.
• You may ride in a car from the hospital to your home. However, you should not take car trips until your doctor says you may.
• Walking is good for you, but you should rest as needed. Do not get overtired. Try to limit going up and down stairs to once a day for one to two weeks.
• Avoid strenuous exercise or activities like swimming, golfing, or running until you check with your doctor.
• Do not bend from the waist to pick up things. This movement strains your back muscles. You should bend your knees and squat instead.
• Do not carry heavy items, such as groceries or laundry. Do not lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. Do not try to move heavy furniture until your doctor says you may. Do not lift anything over your head.
• Keep the incision dry. Take sponge baths; do not take tub baths until your doctor says you may. Showering is usually allowed seven to 10 days after surgery, if the incision is not red or draining. Before showering, remove the brace and cover the incision with plastic wrap, to keep water from hitting the incision. Be sure to use a rubber mat in the shower, to prevent slipping. Be careful not to move your neck from side to side while
  the brace is off.
• Usually you may sleep in any position that is comfortable. You should not sleep on your stomach, because this strains your back muscles.
• You may resume sexual activities when your doctor says you may.
• Do not sit in soft or overstuffed chairs. Firm chairs with straight backs give better support.
• Incisions may be numb or tender for a few weeks after surgery. Some redness around the incision is common and usually disappears within one to three weeks. Ask a family member to assist you in checking your incision regularly.
• A raised toilet seat will be provided for you. If necessary, other assistive devices will be arranged for you by hospital staff or your primary care doctor.

When to Call the Doctor

If you notice any of the following signs of infection, call your doctor or nurse immediately:

• Increased redness at the incision site
• Increased pain at the site
• Increased swelling at the site
• Puslike drainage from the site
• Black tissue around the site
• Fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or above for more than 24 hours
• Chills

Use common sense in judging what you can and cannot do. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call your doctor or nurse.

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