PRE-OPERATIVE APPOINTMENT

A Pre-Operative Appointment is Required Before Surgery

Undergoing spine surgery is a significant decision and requires careful planning and preparation. As part of the process, patients typically attend a pre-operative appointment with their doctor. This appointment serves several crucial purposes and plays a vital role in ensuring the success and safety of the surgery. The following explains the importance of the pre-operative appointment before spine surgery.

Comprehensive Evaluation and Assessment

The pre-operative appointment provides an opportunity for the healthcare team to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of the patient’s overall health. This includes reviewing medical history, performing physical examinations, and ordering necessary diagnostic tests, such as blood work, imaging scans, and electrocardiograms. These evaluations help identify any underlying medical conditions, assess surgical risks, and determine the patient’s suitability for the procedure.

Education and Informed Consent

During the pre-operative appointment, the healthcare provider will thoroughly explain the planned surgical procedure, its potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes. This discussion allows patients to ask questions, address concerns, and fully understand what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. During this appointment, Informed consent, where the patient gives their voluntary agreement to undergo the procedure, occurs.

Pre-Operative Appointment – Preparing for the Surgery

The pre-operative appointment provides an opportunity for patients to receive specific instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. This may involve guidelines on fasting, discontinuing certain medications, or making lifestyle modifications. The healthcare team will also provide detailed pre-operative instructions.  This includes information on pre-operative cleansing protocols, guidelines for managing any chronic conditions, and guidelines for post-operative care. Additionally, patients may receive information about necessary arrangements for their hospital stay, such as scheduling, admission procedures, and what to bring with them.

Overall, the pre-operative appointment provides a crucial step in the journey toward spine surgery. It allows for a comprehensive evaluation and ensures patients know everything about the procedure.  In addition, it provides them with the necessary instructions and support for a successful surgical experience. By taking the time to address any concerns, gather essential information, and prepare for the surgery, patients can approach their spine surgery with confidence and optimize their chances for a positive outcome.

During this visit your care coordinator/physician will:

• Discuss your surgery, including any risks and complications, as well as your postoperative care while in the hospital
• Answer any questions about your surgery:
• Use the notes pages included in this guide to writing them down before your visit
• Go over the final details of your arrival time, location, and surgery time
• Review your required surgery release forms
• Someone should attend this visit with you. This could be a family member or someone very close to you who will be available during your surgery.

Brace Fitting, If Needed

 If a brace is needed, you will receive it during your post-op visit or at the hospital after surgery.  Your insurance company will dictate when and where it will be given to you.  In most cases, you will receive your brace at your pre-op visit. If so, you will need to bring it to the hospital on the day of surgery.

Bone Stimulator, If Needed

If you will need a bone stimulator, you will receive it at your post-op visit or by mail. Your insurance company will dictate which one, but you will not receive it at the hospital.

Note: If your procedure included a spinal fusion and you do not have the bone stimulator three weeks after surgery, please notify us.