Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Surgery

Call us between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 352-794-6868.

We accept insurance from about 20 different carriers, so chances are good that we accept yours. Be sure to provide accurate, up-to-date insurance information when making your appointment and confirm that we do accept your carrier. We will bill your insurance company and then follow up with you on any unmet charges.

Preparation varies for each type of procedure, so make sure to read the requirements for yours on our Services pages or ask us when scheduling your appointment.

You should shower the morning of or night prior to surgery, as you will need to avoid doing so immediately after the surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night prior to surgery. Diabetic patients should plan accordingly and follow their primary provider’s recommendations regarding diabetic medications and insulin. Leave anything valuable at home. Wear comfortable and easy-to-change clothing. Plan for someone to drive you home from your procedure, fill any prescriptions, and make special accommodations around your home for your recovery period.

Any surgery comes with risk from bleeding, infection, and potential negative effects of general anesthesia. With minimally invasive procedures, many of these risks are reduced. Most spinal surgeries require the surgeon to work in close proximity to the spinal cord, nerve roots, and vertebral artery, so there is a small risk of damage to these sensitive structures. Keep in mind that Dr. Toumbis has more than 15 years of experience, and has performed more than 10,000 successful spinal procedures.

Many spinal procedures result in little to no pain afterward, but outcomes vary by procedure and from patient to patient. Speak to your doctor in advance about whether you will need a prescription pain medication. If you need to request a refill, please use our patient portal or call us at 352-794-6868 during office hours. You may be able to rely on over-the-counter medications or alternatives like ice, stretching or compression. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Your doctor will take your age and other personal factors into consideration when recommending spinal surgery or other procedures. Very generally speaking, younger people tend to recover from surgeries somewhat faster. However, with many of today’s minimally invasive and outpatient techniques, recovery time and pain are greatly reduced. Furthermore, a 2015 study showed “no higher overall complication rate and no higher mortality for patients age 80 and older when compared to patients younger than age 80” with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Many types of spinal procedures produce better results when followed by physical therapy or home exercises. If you are prescribed physical therapy, it is critical that you complete it and follow any instructions of the therapist. The ultimate goal of your spinal surgery or procedure is to get you as close to your previous activity level and quality of life as possible. It is in your best interest to follow recommendations.

Some patients may need to delay surgery for a period of time if they need to make lifestyle changes—such as quitting smoking or losing weight—that will increase the chances for a successful surgery. However, some conditions can lead to further spinal damage if not treated in a timely manner. Our spinal experts will help you make the decision that is best for you.

It is always a good idea to consult with a primary care provider to confirm that you are in a stable condition for surgery. You may also need to consult with your cardiologist or pulmonologist, depending on your conditions. Follow all medical recommendations closely.

Please visit our Caring for Loved Ones page for helpful information on how you can support the patient before and after their procedure. It is a good idea for you to educate yourself as much as possible on what to expect, especially if the patient will be undergoing anesthetic or pharmaceuticals that could impair short-term memory.