Laminectomy is back surgery that includes the surgical removal of all or part of the laminae (sections of the vertebrae that surround the spinal cord). This surgery is performed to gain access to the spinal cord to remove tumors, treat injuries to the spine, relieve pressure on a nerve, or to implant, revise or reposition a catheter to administer medication using an external pump.

Brain surgery is performed to repair an injury, remove a tumor or lesion, or to stop bleeding or infection. Sometimes brain surgery is necessary to implant electrodes to monitor seizures. Before surgery, an incision is made in the skull, and bone is removed (usually temporarily) to provide access to the brain. After surgery, the bone is replaced, sometimes by a bone graft from the patient or another source. Brain surgery is an inpatient surgery performed under general anesthesia by a neurologist or neurosurgeon, and requires a hospital stay.