During the evaluation, facts about the patient’s health are investigated enabling medical staff to take proactive steps to reduce surgical risk. This evaluation includes an in-depth review of the patient’s medical history, findings from x-rays, CT scans, MRI studies and/or other diagnostic tests. The patient’s general health is reviewed during a physical and neurological examination.

The preoperative evaluation identifies physical conditions that could cause surgical complications (e.g. cardiac or breathing difficulties). The patient may be referred to a medical specialist for consultation and clearance prior to surgery.

A detailed medical history gathers information about allergies, side effects from medication, current medication taken daily, pre-existing medical conditions, family history, tobacco and alcohol use, bleeding history (e.g. unusual bruising), and previous surgical experiences (e.g. problems with anesthesia).

Any condition effecting the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and nervous systems can increase surgical risk. Understanding these problems and addressing them before surgery can make the procedure safer.

Sometimes spine surgery is done in an emergency situation. Usually there is time, though, to prepare for your surgical procedure. It is advantageous to be in the best physical condition possible prior to your surgery.

Good nutrition keeps your immune system healthy. Eating a balanced diet will help to increase the chance for healthy wound healing and reduce the risk for infection.

If you are a smoker, or use tobacco, this is the most important step you can take to ensure a safe and successful operation. Cigarettes and other tobacco products contain hundreds of toxins, which effect blood’s ability to carry oxygen. For example, if you stop smoking just 3 – 4 weeks before surgery, you can decrease your chance of experiencing a serious complication such as problems with anesthesia and post-operative pneumonia. If you are having a spinal fusion, smoking can significantly decrease your chances for a successful fusion and may slow or even stop bone growth, a vital key to the success of this surgical procedure. Patients who smoke or use tobacco are advised to stop several weeks before surgery.

Stop taking certain types of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Many patients take medications that thin the blood and slow blood coagulation. Anticoagulant drugs such as Coumadin, Plavix, and aspirin are examples. You may be instructed to stop taking these types of medications 7-10 days before your surgery. The surgeon will advise you regarding this. If you take medications on a daily basis (e.g. blood pressure pills), check to see if you should take these medications the morning of surgery or not.

Make arrangements for your transportation to and from the hospital. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home after surgery.

Plan to have someone stay with you for at least the first day or two. If home assistance is required on an on-going basis, your physician and/or hospital can help make these arrangements.

Follow your doctor’s instructions about eating and drinking the day before and the day of your surgery. You may be asked to stop drinking caffeinated products such as coffee, hot or iced tea and soda products prior to your surgery and even for weeks and maybe months following your surgery, especially if you are having a spinal fusion. Caffeine products can significantly decrease the chances of a successful fusion by actually “discouraging” bone growth.

The hospital will call you the business day before your scheduled surgery to let you know what time to show up for your surgery. For example, if your surgery is scheduled for Monday, the operating room will call you before 3:00pm on the Friday before your surgery. If you have not received a call by 3:00pm, it is advised that you contact the operating room at (205) 333-4910 and ask them what time to show up for your surgery.

You will be asked to arrive at the hospital at least two hours before your operation will actually take place. It is important that you arrive when the staff tells you to be at the hospital. During this two hour “window”, you will be officially admitted to the hospital, speak to the anesthesiologist, and, if they have not already been performed, have pre-admission blood and urine tests conducted.

Take your personal identification, driver’s license, and insurance information with you to the hospital. The hospital admission department may expect payment for any deductibles and/or copayments pertaining to your specific insurance contract prior to the day of surgery or at the time you are actually admitted to the hospital.

Wear loose fitting clothing to the hospital that is easy to take off and put back on. Shoes that you can slip off and on are suggested. If you will be staying at the hospital overnight, pack night clothes, slippers, and toiletries. Leave watches, earrings, rings, and other jewelry at home. Do take any hearing aids, glasses and dentures with you to the hospital.

If you have been provided with a brace prior to your operation, please bring it to the hospital with you. A brace will be provided to you while you are in the hospital if you did not receive one beforehand. The brace will be placed on you by the medical staff prior to leaving the hospital.