How to prepare for spinal surgery for a good recovery PTP

Spinal Surgery is a treatment to address problems related to the spine, nerves, or spinal cord, such as herniated discs compressing nerves, spinal degeneration, fractures from accidents, or severe spinal deformities. Additionally, there are other conditions that may require surgery, such as spinal canal stenosis, spinal instability, spinal tumors, spinal infections, and spinal collapse due to osteoporosis.
&nbsp;
Before surgery, the doctor will conduct a thorough examination and diagnosis to select the appropriate technique, such as minimally invasive surgery, which helps reduce damage to surrounding tissues compared to open surgery and allows for faster recovery, or spinal fusion surgery to increase the stability of the spinal structure.
&nbsp;
<h2>When is spinal surgery necessary?</h2>
Spinal surgery is usually the last treatment option, considered when non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or anti-inflammatory injections fail to relieve symptoms. Generally, doctors recommend trying non-surgical treatments for at least 6-12 weeks before considering surgery. However, in cases where the patient has severe symptoms that directly affect daily life, the doctor will provide consultation to choose the appropriate surgical method. Conditions or symptoms that may require surgery include:
<ul>
<li>Severe chronic pain that does not respond to other treatments, such as back pain radiating to the legs or neck pain radiating to the arms caused by herniated discs compressing nerves</li>
<li>Numbness, weakness, or loss of muscle control that progressively worsens, which may indicate severe nerve or spinal cord compression</li>
<li>Loss of control over bladder or bowel functions, such as inability to hold urine or stool</li>
<li>Spinal deformity or instability, such as displaced vertebrae, severe scoliosis, or fractures from accidents</li>
<li>Conditions that may be dangerous if left untreated, such as spinal tumors, severe infections, or spinal canal stenosis that may cause paralysis</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>Preparation before spinal surgery and what to inform your doctor</h2>
Preparation before spinal surgery is an important step to ensure the surgery goes smoothly and recovery is faster. It also helps reduce the risk of complications after surgery. Before undergoing surgery, it is essential to prepare as much as possible as follows:
<ul>
<li>Comprehensive health check-up, such as blood tests to assess blood cell counts and the function of vital organs, including electrocardiogram (EKG) and chest X-ray to evaluate lung health before anesthesia. MRI or CT scans may be necessary in some cases.</li>
<li>Informing the doctor of important information to help plan treatment better, including allergy history, underlying diseases, current medications, as well as smoking or alcohol consumption, which can affect the surgery and recovery process.</li>
<li>Stopping certain medications as advised by the doctor, such as blood thinners and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, because these may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.</li>
<li>Fasting for at least 6-8 hours before surgery to prevent aspiration during anesthesia.</li>
<li>Preparing the body, such as getting enough rest to reduce stress.</li>
<li>Necessary personal items, such as comfortable clothing, personal belongings, and mobility aids like canes or walkers if needed for easier movement after surgery.</li>
<li>Recovery area should be clean and comfortable, free of obstacles that could cause falls, and equipped with safety devices such as grab bars in the bathroom for convenience and safety.</li>
<li>Planning transportation home, including arranging for a vehicle and someone to assist after surgery.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Following the doctor&#8217;s instructions strictly and asking any questions to the medical staff involved in the surgical process will help ensure smooth preparation before surgery and recovery afterward.
&nbsp;
<h2>Possible side effects and complications</h2>
Spinal surgery may have potential complications, but there is no need to worry when under the care of experienced specialists.
<ul>
<li>Pain or discomfort after surgery is normal in the initial period. Patients will receive guidance on positioning and postures to reduce pain and the use of pain medications.</li>
<li>Displacement or herniation of the disc can occur but is less common compared to other complications.</li>
<li>Infection may occur at the surgical wound or bone (osteomyelitis), or delayed wound healing, but these are uncommon and can be prevented with antibiotics before and after surgery.</li>
<li>Nerve injury may result from various causes, such as compression during surgery or displacement of implanted hardware, which can cause numbness or weakness. This is now less common with minimally invasive surgical techniques.</li>
<li>Blood clots may travel to the lungs or brain, known as &#8220;thromboembolism.&#8221;</li>
<li>Degeneration of the spine can occur due to various factors, such as poor recovery related to inappropriate daily activities after surgery.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Proper preparation before surgery, adherence to the doctor&#8217;s instructions, and correct post-operative care will help reduce the risk of complications and promote faster recovery. Phyathai Phaholyothin Hospital has orthopedic surgeons and spine surgery specialists with expertise in treating spinal diseases, using modern technology and treatment methods to provide comprehensive and safe care at every stage of treatment. If you have any concerns about your symptoms, you can consult for diagnosis, treatment planning, or appropriate surgery.
&nbsp;
Dr. Chawalawut Termtanun 
Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in Hip and Knee Replacement 
Bone and Joint Institute

Proper preparation before spinal surgery will make the recovery process faster, help reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery, and result in excellent treatment outcomes.

Services

Article

About Us

Hospital locations

How to prepare before spinal surgery for a good recovery?

Tel

Email

Services

Article

About Us

Hospital locations