What do I need to know before have surgery for spinal stenosis?

Pre-operative care:

- Your doctor may order imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs, to get a detailed view of your spine and the affected area.

- Blood tests and other lab tests may be done to assess your overall health and identify any underlying conditions.

- If you have any existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, your doctor will work with your specialists to manage them before the surgery.

- You may be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, a few days before the surgery to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.

- Quit Smoking: Smoking can hinder healing and increase the risk of complications.

Anesthesia:

- During the surgery, you will be given either general anesthesia (where you are completely unconscious) or regional anesthesia (where only the affected area of your spine is numbed).

- Your anesthesiologist will discuss the anesthesia options with you and help you choose the most suitable one based on your health condition and preferences.

Surgical procedure:

- The surgical approach will depend on the location and severity of your spinal stenosis.

- In some cases, a minimally invasive surgery, such as laminectomy or laminoplasty, may be performed. These procedures involve removing or widening the bone and ligament around your spinal cord and nerve roots to relieve pressure.

- In more severe cases, a spinal fusion surgery may be necessary. This involves fusing two or more vertebrae together with bone grafts or other materials to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on the nerves.

Post-operative care:

- After the surgery, you will be closely monitored in the hospital for a few days to manage pain and prevent complications.

- Physical therapy will be an important part of your recovery, starting a few days after the surgery. It will help you gradually regain strength, mobility, and flexibility in your back.

- Your doctor will provide specific instructions on how to care for your incision, manage your pain, and gradually increase your activity level.

- Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing properly.