A Guide For Patients
Preparing For Spine Surgery
When you and your spine surgeon decide that spine surgery is the best option to relieve pain and restore motion, you will begin the normal preparation for surgery. This brochure will help you answer many of the questions and concerns you have, by providing you with an explanation of the normal spine surgery preparation steps, as well as a list of potential questions to ask your surgeon.
Health Examination
All surgeries carry certain risks and possible complications. Before your spine procedure, the surgeon will explain the possible complications. Your spine surgeon may ask you to see your primary care physician to make sure that you do not have any health conditions that may complicate your surgery.
Medications
You should notify your surgeon about any of the medications you are presently taking because some medications must be stopped before surgery.
Donating Blood
You may be asked to donate blood before your surgery. There are several options regarding blood donation and these will be discussed in greater detail with you before you donate. Blood donations should be done at least two weeks before your surgery so you have plenty of time to replenish your blood cells naturally before the procedure.
Anesthesia
Surgery will require anesthesia, and there are many options that will be explained in more detail by your anesthesiologist. Your options will be based on your health history, the medications you presently take, and the results of your physical examination.
Physical Therapy
Your surgeon may also recommend that you start physical therapy before surgery. This is often done to increase muscle strength and joint range of motion prior to your procedure. Strengthening your muscles before surgery can assist your postoperative recovery.
Questions To Ask Your Surgeon Before Surgery
If your doctor recommends spine surgery, it is normal to have many questions about the procedure. Below are some of the questions you may want to discuss with your doctor.
- What are the risks and potential complications of spine surgery?
- How long will the procedure take?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- When will I be able to resume normal activities?
- How much pain relief or increased mobility can I expect?
- What are the clinical results of the spine system you have chosen?
- What, in your opinion, makes this system the very best available implant for my condition?
- What type of procedure have you selected?
- How many of these procedures have you performed?
- Will I need physical therapy?