Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Practice Test

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What medical term refers to the surgical excision of part of the lamina of a vertebra?

  1. Discectomy

  2. Hemilaminectomy

  3. Thyroidectomy

  4. Laminectomy

The correct answer is: Hemilaminectomy

The term that refers to the surgical excision of part of the lamina of a vertebra is "hemilaminectomy." This procedure involves removing a portion of the lamina, which is a part of the vertebra that helps form the back of the spinal canal. Hemilaminectomy is typically performed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves caused by conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis. In contrast, laminectomy generally involves the removal of the entire lamina, while discectomy specifically pertains to the removal of a herniated disc in the spine. Thyroidectomy refers to the surgical removal of the thyroid gland, which is unrelated to vertebral surgery. Understanding the nuances of these terms is essential for accurate communication in medical coding and surgery contexts.