It is normal that when a patient diagnosed with a spinal pathology and for whom an operation has been indicated as part of the treatment, they feel fear, anxiety and/or nerves in the days before entering the operating room. In this post we will talk about how to properly prepare for this type of intervention and what aspects should be considered to obtain good results and prevent risks.
Preparation for spine surgery
Once the patient with a back condition is examined and diagnosed by a specialist, he or she tells him or her what is the best treatment to cure his or her illness. In some cases, rest and medication are enough; In others, physiotherapy is included so that the area can regain its usual mobility; but In more severe cases, the doctor may also indicate surgery.
One of the most beneficial operations thanks to technological advances is minimally invasive endoscopic surgery.. This is a procedure that allows the doctor to see inside the patient's body through a camera (endoscope) and make minor incisions with tiny surgical instruments.
Specifically, This treatment allows you to treat different conditions in the spine like:
- Vertebral osteoarthritis: wear or degeneration of the cartilage of the connections between the vertebrae. It can be hip, lumbar, cervical or facet
- Sciatica: pressure on the sciatic nerve causing pain from the lower back to one or both legs
- Stenosis: narrowing that puts pressure on nerves and spinal cord, causing pain
- herniated disc: damage to parts of the intervertebral discs that function as shock absorbers of the spine.
- displacement of the intervertebral disc, result of disc degeneration (gradual and natural wear)
- Lumps: the outer wall protrudes towards the spine due to pressure from the inner core of the intervertebral disc
Preoperative for endoscopic spine surgery
Minimally invasive spine surgery is performed under local anesthesia. Prior to surgery, it is important to have an appointment with the anesthesiologist to review the patient's medical history and learn about the medications that the patient usually consumes. In the latter case, a suspension of consumption prior to the operation may be indicated.
Surgeons must consider and control the possible interactions that medications may have in the surgical process in terms of homeostasis and healing.. As part of the diagnosis of spine surgery and with the aim of optimizing results, it is necessary to have control mainly over the following drugs:
- Medications for sugar control: Extreme blood glucose levels should be avoided as this will affect the heart rate, delay healing and promote infections.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): short-term ones can be administered up to the day before surgery, while long-term ones require suspensions ranging from 48 hours to 10 days before, depending on the case.
- Medications related to blood clotting: The regulation of anticoagulants is very important due to the risk of bleeding during the intervention.
Physical improvement and weight loss before spinal surgery
In addition to control over drugs, Physical self-control (such as quitting smoking and losing weight) on the part of the patient is very important to facilitate the operation and avoid risks of bleeding or infections.. In this way, it is important to follow a series of recommendations to prepare for endoscopic spine surgery.
In the case of smokers, it is recommended quit smoking as soon as possible. Quitting smoking before spinal surgery will facilitate wound healing, reduce the risk of respiratory infections and prevent accelerated wear on the cartilage and bones of the spine.
Having control over weight and diet also has its advantages. Heart problems, wound infections, and longer than usual hospital stays are common surgery complications in patients with obesity.
At the same time, it is essential have a good rest the night before the process surgical. It is recommended to take a hot bath to go to bed calmly without anxiety and try to sleep for no less than 6 hours (8 hours ideally).
Pre-surgical physiotherapy of the spine
After a surgical intervention, loss of function in the affected area is normal, but it may be less if the patient arrives at the operating room in the best possible condition. It is proven that People who undergo pre-surgical physiotherapy sessions arrive at the operation in better condition.
Between the benefits of pre-surgical physiotherapy There are improvements in blood circulation, body elasticity and skeletal muscle mobility. In addition, it is possible that by performing physical therapy before the operation, postoperative rehabilitation sessions can be avoided and the patient can return to their daily activities more easily.
Between the main preoperative exercises Those of strengthening the muscle groups involved, those of maintenance and flexibility of the range of joint movement, and those of neurological training to compensate for the loss of post-surgical proprioception stand out.
Digestive cleansing for spinal surgery preparation
Having control over weight and nutrition before spinal surgery also provides advantages for the surgical process. The main recommendations in terms of preoperative intake are:
- Control the diet, especially the day before the operation
- Avoid heavy diets
- Have a last meal of liquids and solids 8 hours before surgery
- Do not consume alcohol during the previous 24 hours
Specialists in minimally invasive endoscopic surgery in Madrid
If you experience atypical or prolonged discomfort or pain in your back, it is important to make an appointment with traumatologists who are experts in spine surgery who can make a diagnosis and indicate appropriate treatment. In Madrid, Elgeadi Traumatology has a team of surgeons specialized in minimally invasive techniques.
The benefits of spinal surgery with endoscopy compared to open surgery are resounding.. A non-invasive operation is performed with minor incisions and tiny surgical instruments, causing less damage to the body. Without a doubt, advanced spinal endoscopy can be the definitive solution to a patient's back problems.
Thank you Thanks to the cutting-edge technology and techniques used at Elgeadi Traumatology, patients leave recovered and without worries. If you need it, you can request a private appointment with our experienced and highly trained medical team in spine traumatology in Madrid.
