Has anyone had laminectomy then needed spinal fusion?

bobcinem, no.
If there is enough strength in the bone, muscle and tendon a laminectomy can be a preferrable choice to fusion, because you retain aspects of motion.
Generally patients are cautioned that the procedure can cause instability, and instability that could require eventual fusion.
I meant to say, obliquely, that a surgeon can perform a laminectomy in the good faith that it will be stable. It isn't easy to determine in advance.
I would try laminectomy before fusion. And I would probably try for an artificial disc before fusion. There is also laminotomy, partial removal of the lamina.
Your surgeon will have the best idea of what will work most beneficially for you. But, since
(and unfortunately) our providers don't get omniscience with their medical degrees, second opinions are always wise.
I hope your surgery provides long term relief.

tonyst, so, with intractable pain, you would? Suffer?
None of us are fans of surgery. We're desperate to escape pain.

Best of luck!

Interestingly, the notes for my laminectomy described intractable pain which I didn't disagree with. The pain I have been experiencing the past few months TRULY is intractable! I sought a new surgeon because the surgeon who did my laminectomy didn't want to hear that my pain was terrible!

pattyo1, I'm so sorry and so glad you found a new surgeon.
It interesting going back to a surgeon who doesn't want to think he may have done harm. Did you get the surgical report? Sometimes they are so formulaic as to be useless. .if the surgery went well, sometimes our bodies don't respond well.
I ran into a man who'd had fusion, but he also had osteoporosis. The bones couldn't hold the screws. The surgeon didn't know about the osteoporosis, but he should have. The medications can make a difference. He took Forteo for six months of misery from the failed fusion and then had artificial discs. which now seem to have relieved the pain completely.
How long do you have to wait for surgery?

My primary care facilitated a referral. As soon as the neurosurgeon got my records (including op report) and images they got me in. The 1st surgeon ordered a CT myelogram. He wasn't able to see me until May 1st. I felt confident with the surgeon I was referred to. Surgery is May 8th! The 2nd surgeon was not critical of my initial surgery but feels he can get me out of pain.

Cheers for your neurosurgeon and your primary.
This is great.
Happy Easter.

Thank you!!

Thank you so much for your reply! Yes, I got three opinions, and the third was just to do the laminectomy.. but of course there’s a chance for fusion later. This is the first I’ve heard about the idea of removing the disc instead of fusion! Thanks for that tip. I will look into that!
What I’m not sure of is just what ‘instability’ actually means in this case? Overall instability?Balance issues? If you could expound on that I would appreciate it! Thanks again!

What is a TOPS procedure? Thanks!