Awake laminotomy and discectomy using Dexmedetomidine as anesthetic

Lumbar discectomy is the most common surgical procedure performed in the United States for patients having back and leg symptoms. The vast majority of the procedures are elective and are performed under general anesthesia. This is a reported case of a 40 year old woman with worsening symptoms of L5-S1 disc herniation unresponsive to conventional therapies. The use of Dexmedetomidine was discussed with the patient, explaining the advantage of motor and sensory testing during the surgery and immediate patient feedback. Awake laminotomy and discectomy could be performed as an ambulatory procedure, since the use of Dexmedetomidine as the main anesthetic represents a safe and convenient alternative to general anesthesia in this patient with lumbar disc herniation.