Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/laminectomy/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Reviews by topic · Procedures # Spinal decompression and laminectomy. *In patients’ words.* Want to hear how patients describe conversations and care involving spinal decompression and laminectomy? Read their accounts alongside the faces and profiles of our clinicians, with links back to each review’s source. **10** matching reviews **4** clinicians [Meet the clinicians ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/laminectomy/#catalog-clinicians) [Read every matching review ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/laminectomy/#review-browser) This collection shows written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars. These are individual experiences. A topic mention does not establish who performed a procedure, medical suitability or a typical result. [Read this catalog as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/laminectomy/index.md) People behind your care ## Meet the clinician. *Hear the experience.* Clinician order rotates between visits. Each portrait stays with that clinician’s patient accounts. Read the full reviews for context. [Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/laminectomy/#clinician-amandeep-bhalla-m-d) [Hyun Bae, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/laminectomy/#clinician-hyun-bae-md) [Leonel Hunt, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/laminectomy/#clinician-leonel-hunt) [Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/laminectomy/#clinician-sanjay-khurana-m-d) [![Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/amandeep-bhalla-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Meet our team ## [Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine 3 matching reviews [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-m-d/) Excerpt > After the laminectomy, I saw him in the hospital the next morning at 6:45 am! C. Cooke Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 12, 2021 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105837974227991331396/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD Excerpt > When, and only when I was ready, did we proceed with a Laminectomy and Diskecotomy. C. Tiniakos Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 6, 2020 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/115038936105999093351/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD [Read all 3 matching accounts for Amandeep Bhalla, MD →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/laminectomy/?provider=amandeep-bhalla-m-d#review-browser) [![Hyun Bae, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/hyun-bae-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) Meet our team ## [Hyun Bae, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine 4 matching reviews [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) Excerpt > I had emergency laminectomy surgery on May 30, 2024, in Wisconsin, which left me with significant numbness in both legs, limited toe mobility, I. Velazquez Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 8, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101122060762346632576/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD Excerpt > I had a laminotomy and spinal fusion. J. E. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: June 3, 2018 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=9IDKUvzZiEvryHZjj_Harw&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD [Read all 4 matching accounts for Hyun Bae, MD →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/laminectomy/?provider=hyun-bae-md#review-browser) [![Leonel Hunt, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/leonel-hunt.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) Meet our team ## [Leonel Hunt, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine 2 matching reviews [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/leonel-hunt/) Excerpt > On July 18th this year doctor Hunt did surgery of LUMBAR LAMINOTOMY/FORAMINOTOMY, after which pains in my right hip and leg disappeared. V. Zavorotny Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 27, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/111875649142066528501/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD Excerpt > Dr. Hunt performed a Laminectomy and in 3 months I was during physical therapy and recovered fast. L. Beard Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: January 29, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109414594807807392819/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD [Read all 2 matching accounts for Leonel Hunt, MD →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/laminectomy/?provider=leonel-hunt#review-browser) [![Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/sanjay-khurana-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) Meet our team ## [Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine 1 matching review [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-m-d/) Excerpt > I had extensive spinal decompression and lower back fusion surgeries 6 months ago. K. LeSassier Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: April 30, 2022 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113954436674469080308/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD [Read all 1 matching accounts for Sanjay Khurana, MD →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/laminectomy/?provider=sanjay-khurana-m-d#review-browser) Make it personal ## What matters *in your conversation?* Use the accounts here to think about the questions you want to bring to our team. - What would I like to ask at a consultation about spinal decompression and laminectomy? - Which details in these patient accounts would I like to ask our team about? Explore the collection ## Read more *patient experiences.* Browse the written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars that match this topic. Filter by clinician, source, or rating. 10 written reviews Highest rated first · Newest within each rating > Dr. Bhalla is great! I've had back issues and intermittent pain throughout my adult years. Whenever it got intolerable I resorted to acupuncture and/or chiropractic care and on a few occasions epidurals. Someone cutting on my back was not anything I was receptive to. When sciatic episodes became more frequent and longer lasting and I was forced to postpone scheduled knee replacement surgery I reluctantly decided to again consult an orthopedic surgeon. > > After initial consultation, x-rays and MRI I had follow up appointment with Dr. Bhalla to discuss options. He recommended surgery. Still reluctant to go that route I opted for another try with an epidural, but to to no avail. Back to Dr. Bhalla who told me the problems were going to continue to get worse so at age 73 I finally agreed to surgery. > > Lower lumber fusion surgery was performed at Long Beach Memorial Hospital by Dr. Bhalla and Dr. Rao (vascular surgeon). Anterior Lumber Interbody Fusion (ALIF) and laminectomy surgeries were performed on Monday and Thursday of the same week. The week in the hospital (overall very good care and treatment) and first 2 weeks at home I experienced moderate pain and discomfort but nothing intolerable. After 2 weeks of light rehab at home I started physical therapy program. After several weeks of PT my back felt really good. It has been nearly one year since the surgery and other than minimal discomfort during the initial recovery period I have experienced no back pain! > > From the initial consultation through the post-op visits Dr. Bhalla thoroughly explained all the options, the details of the surgical procedure, the recovery and rehabilitation process and patiently answered all my questions. Dr. Bhalla is a compassionate and highly skilled physician and surgeon! And, kudos to his very competent and kind office staff. While back surgery is a last resort, if there is no other viable way to address your pain and problems Dr. Bhalla is the surgeon for you. C. M. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: September 8, 2026 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/amandeep-bhalla-md-long-beach?hrid=FuXuUCKwyOJE_fy7wRruyw&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD > I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the life-changing surgery you performed on June 17, 2025. > As you know, I had emergency laminectomy surgery on May 30, 2024, in Wisconsin, which left me with significant numbness in both legs, limited toe mobility, and intense pain from my hip to my left knee. A specialist in California informed me that these issues could become permanent if they persisted for six months after the surgery. I suffered with this condition for a year, and it took me four months to even begin walking without assistance of a walker o cane after the surgery in Wisconsin. > When I came to see you in Santa Monica in April 2025, you offered hope that you could correct my desperate pain and numbness. The results of the spinal surgery you performed on vertebrae 3, 4, and 5, where you also placed two screws in vertebrae 3 and 4, have been nothing short of incredible. Just ten days after surgery, I was able to walk without the help of a walker or cane. > Now, two and a half months post-surgery, the improvement is profound. I can walk for up to an hour without any leg pain, and I experience only minimal discomfort in my lower back. I went from being unable to walk for more than eight minutes due to unbearable pain (level 8) to being able to walk for an hour without problems. > Dr. Bae, your professionalism and that of your staff are truly extraordinary. I feel blessed that you performed my surgery and have changed my life from one of frustration and pain to one without pain at all. Thank you for everything. God bless your heart. I. Velazquez Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 8, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101122060762346632576/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > I am 74 year old. For a long time I had severe pain in right hip and leg due to the pinching of the sciatic nerve between 4 and 5 vertebrae of the spine. Physiotherapy and multiple pain relief injections did not help me. On the advice of doctors Zalkinder and Kievsky I contacted with doctor Leonel Hunt for concultation. Doctor Hunt explained to me in great detail how the surgery would be performed to free the nerve from the pinching. On July 18th this year doctor Hunt did surgery of LUMBAR LAMINOTOMY/FORAMINOTOMY, after which pains in my right hip and leg disappeared. Now I can walk freely, do housework, I will be able to walk with my dog after full recovery and look to the future with optimism and hope.I thank doctor Leonel Hunt from my heart. I wish him success in his work and advise everyone who has problems with spine to contact him for help. I'm saying it again thank so much. V. Zavorotny Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 27, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/111875649142066528501/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > Dr. Leonel A. Hunt is a great Doctor. I suffered from chronic right lower back and right back hip pain for over 2 years and he fixed it. I was diagnosed from my MRI with Sciatic Nerve Pain where my nerves was hitting my vertebrate at L4-L5, obstructing my walking, and standing, causing me to have spasms running down my legs, thighs, knees and to the bottom of my feet; I would have to sit down when they occurred. > Dr. Hunt performed a Laminectomy and in 3 months I was during physical therapy and recovered fast. His staff was amazing, especially Raquel, she took care of all of my employment issues in a timely manner. Thank you very much. L. Beard Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: January 29, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109414594807807392819/place/ChIJF7fYUkm5woAR9WJ_99t9UR4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Leonel Hunt, MD > Dr. Khurana and his Staff are an Exceptional and Professional Medical Team. Personable and Caring. Dr. Khurana is an excellent and knowledgeable surgeon. I had extensive spinal decompression and lower back fusion surgeries 6 months ago. My treatment and overnight stay at the LA Spine Surgery Center was 1st Class. I am healing exceptionally well and I am relatively pain free now. I am looking forward to getting back on the golf course soon. I highly recommend Dr. Khurana. K. LeSassier Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: April 30, 2022 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113954436674469080308/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD > Incredible results from an incredible spine surgeon! > > Dr. Hyun Bae possesses a completely different level of understanding and surgical skill-set that elevates him well above his peers in his field of expertise. Just look at his resume, it's clear why he's considered the best spine surgeon in the U.S. by those who've had the pleasure of being repaired by him. > > It wasn't by chance that I went to Dr. Bae, I researched spine surgeons in the U.S. extensively and interviewed several before concluding Dr. Bae was clearly the most talented surgeon I could select. And he didn't disappoint me! > The entire staff at The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration is very professional and highly efficient. This included scheduling my appointments, working with my insurance company, coordinating my surgeries and all follow-up appointments, including phone calls checking on my recovery progress. > > Tackling my complicated issue required two separate cervical spine surgeries. The first consisted of a posterior laminotomy, medial facetectomy and foraminotomy at level C7/T1, followed 3-weeks later with a complete 2-level anterior disc replacement at levels C5/C6 & C6/C7. State of the art titanium/polymer artificial discs were securely implanted, providing me with a full range of motion and pain-free use of my neck. > > Both surgeries were performed at the Advanced Surgical Center of Beverly Hills on an outpatient basis, which would have been unimaginable just 5-years ago. Amazingly, my disc replacement surgery began at 7am and I was in my vehicle being driven home at 1pm the same day, wearing only a soft neck brace for the ride home, which I never needed to wear again. > > My recovery and pain management has been way better than anticipated. In fact, the most difficult part of my entire recovery has been forcing myself to take it easy to give myself time to heal, simply because I feel so good. > > It's only been 7-weeks since my second surgery and I honestly feel like I can physically do anything without pain or limitations. I'm patiently waiting for Dr. Bae's clearance before returning to my regular workouts, active lifestyle, and pursuit of competitive golf. > > My recommendation to anyone in the U.S. searching for the finest spine surgeon available to diagnose and perform spine surgery on them is to include Dr. Hyun Bae on your list to interview. Resist the urge of selecting your spine surgeon simply based on geographical conveniences. Travel if necessary, your spine is too important. M. H. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: January 9, 2022 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=WnJPLu4VVsiVqqv2foda0A&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > Update: Dr. Bhalla performed spine surgery on me on December 38, 2020. Prior to the surgery he came to my bedside and explained what would be entailed in my surgery. I had a lumbar laminectomy L3-L5, instrumented fusion L4-L5, fluoroscopy, allograft ad autograft. He also performed Sciatic joint fusion on me on Dec 19, 2019…Two rods and 7 screws later I am relatively pain free! He is friendly, compassionate and allays my fears prior to the start of any procedure. After the laminectomy, I saw him in the hospital the next morning at 6:45 am! There he was asking if the pain had subsided and it had. Post operative care provided more of the same compassion and general concern for my wellbeing. I have referred many of my friends, family and associates to Dr. Amandeep Bhalla. While I have so much care and admiration for Dr. Bhalla, I would also like to give a 5 star rating to his Nurse. Ronnie is a Breath of fresh air! She is kind, friendly and compassionate. She puts puts you at ease prior to seeing Dr. Bhalla. I have found that I can get an appointment quickly and once you check in for the appointment, Ronnie calls you in quickly and Dr. Bhalla sees you very quick. It is a very well run office. > > I was referred to Dr. Bhalla for lower back/sciatic pain. He is friendly, courteous and provides a thorough explanation of my problems as gleaned from the MRI. He assisted me in putting aside my fears of an epidural. On the day of my procedure, he came to see me prior to starting and I was greeted with a warm smile. I would like to also give kudos to his Physician Assistant, Mykeal. They are both young medical professionals who strive to make their patients feel at ease through discussion and information. The entire staff of Dr. Bhalla’s office (Corinne the Scheduler), Yvette (his Nurse), and the staff at the Surgery Center should be commended for fast, courteous and friendly interactions with their patients. C. Cooke Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 12, 2021 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105837974227991331396/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD > My spinal stenosis is severe, but I just wasn't ready for a back surgery so soon after having both hips replaced. Dr. Bhalla and I proceeded with the less invasive Spinal/Epidural which unfortunately, did not give me the improvement I was looking for. When, and only when I was ready, did we proceed with a Laminectomy and Diskecotomy. I am exactly 1 week past surgery and the future looks bright! So glad to be in such good hands. Will report back after all healing is done...Five Gold Stars from me!!! C. Tiniakos Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 6, 2020 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/115038936105999093351/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD > Before Dr Bae I had seen 4 other back dr's. All told me I had stenosis in my L3-L5 region. All told me I would need fusion. I went through this over a 6 year period. I refused fusion since It would debilitate me for life. One of the earlier Dr's began to perform newer, minimally invasive procedures when a friend who happens to be a anesthesiologist told me to go see Dr Bae. > I saw Dr Bae in Nov of 2016. I was more than impressed when he told me I did not need fusion. A Lumbar Laminectomy was his prognosis. I saw Dr Bae again in Jan of 2017. Surgery was scheduled for May 2017. Over the 4 month waiting period things changed and the procedure was changed. Still a Laminectomy but now 2 - 6" Carbon Fiber Rods and a titanium spring would also be implanted. > May 15 2017 I went in at 1:30 pm for Surgery. I was in my hospital room at 6:30pm. At 6:30am the next morning I was walking up and down the hallways. I was released 2 days later. > 3 weeks later I was back doing light work. Recovery was amazing. I was able to walk 1/4 mile at first, then 1/2 mile and finally a full mile. > My only mistake was not going to PT when I was told to. A few issues but 4 weeks later I was a champ again. > Dec 2017 I did a 2 mile walk/hike through the desert. I continued to improve. longer walks. less fear about having to park too far away to a store entrance. Sept 2018 I did a 8.5 mile hike through Malibu creek in 3 hours. I could not remember when I was able to go a distance like that with no pain. > Dr Bae can be cold. However he was the warmest and patient man when it came to explaining everything to my wife. Before the surgery he made all the time needed. Lisa can be short. But they do care. The whole office staff cares. > Amazing surgeon. M. Mueller Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: May 2, 2019 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/116402600147045135780/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > I have been suffering from back pain for 40 plus years, sometimes debilitating, sometimes manageable. In the last year it got to the point where I was getting numb more and more frequently and had difficulty standing or walking more than a block. Dr. Bae came to the rescue. I had a laminotomy and spinal fusion. Of course I was nervous but felt confident that Dr. Bae would perform a miracle and he did. I am now 3 months post surgery, returning from Europe where I walked without pain or numbness or any ill effects. In the last week I walked a total of 30 miles sightseeing. I am beyond grateful - the quality of my life is back full force AND I am over 70 and feel like new. Lisa, Dr. Bae's PA, is incredible as is the entire staff. Questions which are probably somewhat irritating are always answered quickly with kindness, adding to the security I felt. A 12 on a scale of 10. Thank you to all! J. E. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: June 3, 2018 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=9IDKUvzZiEvryHZjj_Harw&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD Understand your options ## Bring your *next good question.* Spine ### [Decompression, laminectomy, or microdiscectomy: what would change?](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/decompression-microdiscectomy-questions/) These names describe ways to create space around nerves. Before surgery, understand the exact target, why that amount of treatment is proposed, and which symptoms may improve. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/decompression-microdiscectomy-questions/) Keep exploring ## More patient *perspectives.* [All review topics →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/) Body areas ### Lower back and lumbar spine 85 matching reviews · 10 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Lower back and lumbar spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/lower-back/) Body areas ### Neck and cervical spine 112 matching reviews · 8 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Neck and cervical spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/neck/) Body areas ### Spine and back 371 matching reviews · 11 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Spine and back](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/spine/) Conditions ### Herniated disc 29 matching reviews · 7 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Herniated disc](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/herniated-disc/) Conditions ### Radiculopathy 4 matching reviews · 3 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Radiculopathy](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/radiculopathy/) Conditions ### Sciatica 17 matching reviews · 6 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Sciatica](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/) ## Complete review collection [Read all 10 written reviews in this collection](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/laminectomy/all.md) ## Review pages in Markdown Previous: This is the first review page. Next: This is the last review page. - [Page 1](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/laminectomy/index.md) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. This website is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Google, Zocdoc, or Yelp. Google, Google Maps, and Google Business Profile are trademarks of Google LLC. Zocdoc and the Zocdoc logo are trademarks of Zocdoc, Inc. Yelp and the Yelp logo are registered trademarks of Yelp Inc. All third-party names and logos belong to their respective owners and identify the original review sources. © 2026 Commons Clinic. All rights reserved.