All patients who undergo spine surgery have a few things in common: they want to have a safe surgery with a good result while minimizing their level of discomfort.
If you have elected to pursue surgery, we would like to make surgery as safe and comfortable for you as possible. There are a few things that you can do to help yourself get the best results.
LONG BEFORE SURGERY
- Make sure you are comfortable with your surgery plan. It’s your body and you only have one spine. Make sure your questions and concerns are answered to your satisfaction.
- If you are taking a blood thinner, you will need to talk to your doctor about stopping the medication prior to surgery. Common blood thinners include medications like aspirin, Coumadin (warfarin), Eliquis, Plavix, Aggrenox, heparin (Fragmin, Lovenox), Xarelto, Pradaxa, Brillinta, Effient, Ticlid, or Integrilin. Some of these medications need to be stopped at least a week before surgery, so it important to address any issues well before your surgery is scheduled.
- Herbal or naturopathic medications should generally be stopped one week prior to surgery.
- Minimize the amount of pain medication you are taking for at least a couple of weeks before surgery. If you have been on pain medication for a long time, you shouldn’t suddenly stop taking pain medication. But, if you can reduce the number of pills you are taking to three or four a day, it will make your pain much more manageable after surgery and your recovery much easier.
- If you have health issues, like problems with your heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, or any other significant medical problems, you may benefit from a pre-anesthesia medical evaluation (PAME). Usually, this can be done by your primary care provider. In some instances, Dr. Ball may require you to get evaluated before scheduling surgery.
SHORTLY BEFORE SURGERY
- Before surgery you will have some routine preoperative testing including blood samples and electrocardiograph.
- Clean the area of surgery with soap and water the night before and the morning of surgery, but do not use anything harsh or abrasive that might irritate the skin.
- No eating for at least twelve hours prior to surgery. The only exceptions are medications and sips of clear fluid (like water or 7-up). Failure to comply will delay or postpone your surgery.
- If you are uncertain about which of your medications you should take before surgery, you will need to discuss this with your anesthesiologist. One option is to bring your normal medications with you and your anesthesiologist will tell you which ones to take.
We have found that the more knowledgeable the patient, the more successful the outcome. This letter has been intended to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about preparing for surgery. Please feel free to raise any other questions with Dr. Ball.