Surgery Preparation & Care
Comprehensive Guide to Spinal Surgery Procedures
Proper preparation before surgery and following post-operative care instructions are crucial for successful outcomes. Each procedure has specific requirements and recovery guidelines. Below you'll find information about our most common spinal procedures with links to detailed preparation and care instructions.
⚠ Important Notice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always follow your surgeon's specific instructions, which may differ from the general guidelines below.
Laminectomy Procedures
Laminectomy procedures involve removing part of the vertebral bone (lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. These procedures help treat spinal stenosis and other conditions causing pain and neurological symptoms.
Cervical Laminectomy
A minimally invasive procedure that removes part of the vertebral bone in the neck area to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. This procedure helps treat spinal stenosis and other conditions causing neck pain and arm symptoms.
Lumbar Laminectomy
A surgical procedure that removes part of the vertebral bone in the lower back to create more space for the spinal cord and nerves. This treatment addresses lumbar spinal stenosis, helping to relieve leg pain, numbness, and walking difficulties.
Spinal Fusion Procedures
Spinal fusion procedures permanently connect two or more vertebrae using bone grafts and hardware. These procedures eliminate motion between vertebrae to treat various spinal conditions and provide stability.
Cervical Spinal Fusion
A surgical procedure that permanently connects two or more vertebrae in the neck using bone grafts and hardware. This fusion eliminates motion between vertebrae to treat conditions like degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and spinal instability.
Lumbar Spinal Fusion
A surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the lower back using bone grafts, screws, and rods. This fusion stabilizes the spine and treats conditions such as spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal deformities.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
These procedures use small incisions and specialized instruments to treat various spinal conditions with minimal tissue disruption and faster recovery times.
Kyphoplasty
A minimally invasive procedure that treats vertebral compression fractures by injecting bone cement into collapsed vertebrae. A small balloon is first inserted to restore height to the vertebra, then removed before cement injection to stabilize the fracture and reduce pain.
Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy
A minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and a thoracoscope to interrupt sympathetic nerve pathways in the chest. This surgery is primarily used to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) of the hands, face, and underarms.
General Preparation Guidelines
All spinal procedures require specific preparation. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions, but common preparations include medical evaluations, blood tests, medication adjustments, and lifestyle modifications. Always inform your healthcare team about all medications, supplements, and medical conditions.
Questions About Your Surgery?
Our patient care coordinators are here to help you prepare for and recover from your procedure. Get personalized guidance for your specific surgery.