Hi ~ I'm really surprised they didn't do the laminectomy while they were in the process of doing the ACDF, but I don't know. I find it unusual that they had to go back in 2 days later to do the laminectomy. .

A laminectomy and ACDF ARE 2 different surgeries. Perhaps that's why they did them at 2 different times because you'd be in the operating room too long. It takes awhile to do a laminectomy, and the ACDF takes quite awhile!! So they didn't want you under anesthesia that long. That's the probably reason I can come up with. You would be "under" for quite awhile. So I think they used good judgment. l

If you do have problems in the lumbar spine, use ALL CONSERVATIVE METHODS before you have surgery. You will not be the same after surgery. Surgery should be a last resort. Also surgery will NOT remove pain. Usually you're left with the same pain if not worse. Also you have to be careful about the "Domino" effect. The levels above and below the surgery site will fail because they have to take on more of the load. Physical therapy would be better for your lumbar spine. Studies have shown that people who had physical therapy have the same results as those who had surgery!

God bless and take care. Hugs,Lee