Hi, while I'm waiting for authorization for a two level laminectomy/discectomy at S1/L5 and L5/L4, could someone explain to me after the remove the bone, do they put it back? and how do they usually secure it? None of the med sites have been very clear about this and I won't get to see the surgeon again till my authorization comes through and we are ready to rock and roll.....any info would be appeciated.

The bone removed during a laminotomy is just enough (can be less than a dime) so that the surgeon can have access to a herniated disc (typically to remove the extruded portion that is pressing on the nerve root and causing pain).

More bone is removed during a laminectomy, because it is the bone itself that is pressing on the nerve. This is done to treat patients who have severe spinal stenosis, not herniated discs.

In neither procedure is the bone "put back".

When I first heard that during my surgery, bone would be drilled through, I was terrified. It seemed so extreme. It takes a while to get used to the idea. I had to ask a lot of questions about why there was not an alternative in my case.

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif HNP

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HNP at L4-5 late Sept
3 months PT
Reherniation late Feb
Nerve block mid March
Microdiscectomy April 4