Preparing for Spinal Surgery

Before any procedure, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of your unique condition and the specific procedure you’ll be receiving. In addition to fully understanding what your procedure entails, you’ll want to ensure you’re medically optimized prior to surgery — meaning that you’re in the best health possible. 

Each condition and procedure are unique to the patient, and so are the preparation and recovery requirements. The steps you take to prepare for surgery will depend on which procedure you are having. Major surgeries will have a longer recovery time, and a bigger impact on your everyday life while you heal compared to minor ones. Whatever the case, there are some key things you should do to prepare in the months, weeks and days leading up to surgery.

Preparing Your Body

• Cut out tobacco products. Smoking prior to surgery is strongly discouraged and could result in a suboptimal surgical result. It puts you at a higher risk of extended ventilator care, longer recovery times, increased scarring and other health complications.
• Stop alcohol consumption prior to surgery. Alcohol interferes with anesthesia and other medications, increases bleeding and significantly delays wound healing. Decreasing or stopping alcohol use can help speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of developing post-operative complications. 
• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Eating foods rich in protein and certain nutrients (vitamin C and D, zinc and calcium) can aid in your body’s natural healing process. Consult a medical professional for personal dietary advice.
• Exercise regularly in the time leading up to surgery. Better overall fitness reduces the risk of complications and can speed up your recovery time, allowing you to get back to your normal life quicker.
• Manage other health conditions as recommended by your primary healthcare provider. 
• See your dentist. Take care of any dental work and routine cleanings prior to surgery as these should typically be avoided after surgery.
• Touch base with any specialty healthcare providers and continue to follow their recommendations.

Preparing Your Home

Just as it’s important to prepare your body for surgery, preparing your home for your return is key to a smooth recovery.

• Store low lying items at standing height as you may be restricted from bending, lifting, twisting, pushing and pulling.
• Ensure special equipment such as walkers, shower chairs or long-handle reachers are set up, ready to use and easily accessible.
• Find someone who can help you with household chores such as shopping, yard work and cleaning. It is recommended that these types of activities are avoided for several weeks to months following surgery. Driving is also typically restricted, so it is wise to complete things like grocery shopping and errands in advance.
• Place daily essentials such as clothing, shoes and toiletries at a height where you can easily reach them without bending over.
• Prepare healthy meals ahead of time or purchase easy-to-prepare foods.

Shower the morning of or night before surgery — to reduce the risk of infection, patients are typically restricted from showering after surgery. Brushing your teeth and maintaining good oral hygiene will also help reduce the risk of infection. Remember not to eat or drink anything before your procedure, including water.

Leave all valuables including jewelry at home. Wear comfortable, easy-to-change clothing. If you will be spending the night at the hospital, bring a clean change of clothes and any necessary toiletries. If you will be wearing a brace, be sure to pack some cotton T-shirts to wear underneath. At Citrus Spine Institute, our procedures are predominantly outpatient, so some of these items may not be required. Check with your doctor or nurse to see what you will need to bring. 

For further information regarding spinal surgery preparation, we encourage our patients to attend our Spine Academy program. We established this pre-operative program in partnership with Citrus Memorial Hospital to empower and educate our patients. When you attend the Spine Academy program, you’ll learn about your pre- and post-operative requirements and any hospital stay information. You’ll also be able to discuss your questions or concerns with your healthcare providers at your pre-operative appointment at Citrus Spine so that you can feel confident going into your procedure.