Lumbar Spinal Stenosis---surgery questions

Thank you for your reply and explanation! I do have spondylolisthesis (one of my vertebrae has slipped, as I understand it). The MRI report said 'advanced spinal canal stenosis, grade 1 anterolisthesis of L4 & L5. Recurrent disc herniation, adjacent segment disease, disc degeneration of severe foraminal stenosis.' So that's probably why they want to go in through the front, then 'flip me over' (the way the surgeon put it!) and go in through the back. Sounds scary to me!!

Hope this is helpful. I am retired operating room scrub nurse. By going through the abdomen and securing the spine is what we called a “360.” My guess is that your spine needs much stabilization. Here is what I found on the Internet for you to help you understand: A 360 lumbar fusion, also known as an anterior/posterior lumbar fusion or circumferential fusion, is a surgical procedure that stabilizes the spine by fusing vertebrae from both the front (anterior) and back (posterior) of the spine. This approach is often used for patients with significant spinal issues like degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or spinal deformities.
Hope this helps.

I’m so sorry to hear about what you’re going through. I’ve had two extensive Lumbar Spine Laminectomies and Fusions, plus spacers and rods. I only have one Lumbar disc yet to be operated on, plus a lot more up my spine, but you get the point.

The first thing I would tell you is that I’ve interviewed orthopoedic surgeons and neurosurgeons for my surgeries and I would always choose a highly-regarded neurosurgeon over a highly regarded orthopoedic surgeons. There are two reasons for this: 1) Am orthopoedic surgeons is more highly trained in matters pertaining to your spinal chord and central nervous system - where there is the most risk in an operation on your spine, and 2). A neurosurgeon has much more extensive and intricate training. If a neurosurgeon, heart surgeon and orthopedic surgeon are in an operating room together, the neurosurgeon is always the leader for just this reason.

Next, I’d want to know if your lumbar spine pain is affecting the functioning of your arms, legs, or other parts of your body outside of your spine. My neurosurgeon decided to operate on me the first time because my right leg/hip wasn’t functioning and made if difficult to impossible to walk, depending on the day. My second surgery took place only after my right leg and hip made had me limping severely and my right glut was in non-stop spasm. I’m not a doctor, but I do know that my neurosurgeon (and many others) do not operate on people with back pain alone. (I believe one-third of adults in the US report back pain.). I’d still see a neurologist associated with a practice that includes one, or more neurosurgeons. My bet is, though, that they’ll prescribe alternate, non-surgical forms of treatment.

One more note: please be cautious about neurologists, surgeons, or pain management doctors who prescribe opioid-based pain meds any more than short-term (30-60 days). Even if you’re awaiting surgery, opt for non-opioid spinal injections first. They can be remarkably helpful.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

@wudalife2 I've had all the injections, pinched nerves burnt, muscle relaxers & nothing helped at all, now it's time to see a surgeon.