Laminectomy /Discectomy

The traditional and GOLD standard technique of Open decompression still stands tall, although there have been many advancements in the form of Microscopic or Tubular decompression. These advance techniques use serial dilation of the muscles and external magnification via a Microscope. This reduces incision size and gives a clearer picture. But still this requires some muscle cutting and suturing. The recovery is faster than traditional open surgery but slower compared with Endoscopic procedures. 

Laminectomy as the word indicates involves the removing of lamina which is the bony cover over the spinal cord. This procedure is indicated for the patients with moderate to severe canal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column)

If done at multiple level the surgeon may pre-emptively fix the spinal column so as to prevent instability development in future.

Discectomy as the word indicates removal of pathological part of the disc which is compressing against the spinal cord or spinal nerve. If a large amount of disc is to removed then it may require fixation.