When considering a laminotomy vs laminectomy what is the deciding factor? Before we begin to understand the surgeries it is important to understand what structure they will affect. The Lamina is a broad plate that is fused with another lamina to complete a roof over the vertebral arch in your spine. The ligamentum flava attaches to the anterior (front) of this structure. Next we can look at what the difference in the two surgeries is, and then we can look at why each one is performed. A laminectomy is the full removal of the lamina where as a laminotomy is only the partial removal of the lamina. There are a few reasons that these two surgeries are performed. Most often a laminectomy is performed to relieve pressure on the surrounding nerves caused by spinal stenosis. A laminectomy or a laminotomy is also performed to allow a surgeon access to a vertebral disc that may have herniated. When choosing laminotomy vs laminectomy it is usually in the surgeon’s hands (although it is only a recommendation) to decide what would be best for your situation.

Because a laminotomy procedure is less aggressive than a laminectomy, the recovery time will be significantly less. This is one of the reasons why if you are an eligible candidate a laminotomy is more often performed.

laminectomy vs discectomy

Most often a laminectomy is performed during a discectomy procedure to grant the surgeon access to the vertebral disc he is working on. The true question here would be, laminectomy or Microdiscectomy? With a micro discectomy everything is done less invasive. The need for a laminectomy is minimal because if any of the lamina is actually needed to be removed a laminotomy (partial removal of the lamina) would be sufficient in most circumstances. The problem occurs when removing larger disc herniations, sometimes a full discectomy is required.

laminectomy vs laminoplasty

As described earlier, a laminectomy is the full removal of the lamina. A laminoplasty is performed on the same structure, the lamina, but whereas the lamina is removed during a laminectomy it is only “swung open” during a laminoplasty. Completing the laminoplasty involves affixing the lamina back into its place with a wedge to create more space in the spinal canal. The problem that may arise is that the stenosis is so great that the lamina may need to be fully removed to provide enough decompression for symptom relief. When considering laminectomy vs laminoplasty it is best to discuss this with your surgeon and get his or her recommendation.