1-

• Contact Laser Spine Institute
• Request MRI Review
• Medical Spine Seminar

You are here

• Home
• »
• Spine Conditions
• »
• Back Surgery Articles
• »
• Back Surgery Articles
• »
• What to Expect Before, During and After Surgery

What to Expect Before, During and After Surgery

Obviously, having any surgery – spinal or otherwise – is a major decision. Individuals need to weigh their discomfort against the time, pain, and recovery associated with surgery before making their final decision. But occasionally, surgical correction is the only real option. So what can an individual expect before, during, and after surgery?

Prior to undergoing an operation, it is important for the patient to learn everything they can about the procedure. This helps alleviate the stress that can accompany surgery, as well as assist the patient in setting realistic goals about their recovery process. During the days leading up to the surgery, the patient will likely be instructed about what foods and medication to take or avoid, and will need to complete a final pre-operation screening. The patient will also need to make plans for returning home, having someone there to provide post-surgical care, and taking time off work.

The surgery itself can vary from an outpatient procedure to a major operation that requires lengthy hospitalization. During traditional open back surgery, for example, a patient is placed under general anesthesia and surgery can take several hours. Alternatively, a patient undergoing minimally-invasive endoscopic surgery of the back or neck is placed under deep IV sedation and can actually walk out of the clinic the same day as the procedure.

Regardless of the type of procedure, a period of recovery should be anticipated. After surgery, patients can expect:

• Some period of recovery at the hospital or clinic (be it several hours or days)
• Pain treatment with medication and ice
• Plenty of rest, but also limited movement shortly after surgery
• Back surgery rehabilitation
• Physical therapy
• Post-operative follow-up appointments

Click Here to see how you can get your life back in 5 days

To increase the success rates of surgery, the best thing a patient can do is be well-informed and realistic, opt for minimally invasive procedures when possible, and follow through with rehabilitation. No two surgical experiences are the same, but understanding what to expect before, during, and after surgery can go along away toward a successful outcome.

To learn more about endoscopic spine surgery and for a free review of your MRI or CT scan contact the award-winning staff at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) today.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.