Your Role Before Surgery
If you decide to have surgery, you can help make it a success. Be sure you know what to expect, and be prepared. Plan ahead for your surgery. Have realistic expectations about what surgery can do for you. And follow all of your surgeon's instructions.
Planning Ahead
Having surgery can be stressful. But if you plan ahead, you can make your recovery easier. Talk to your surgeon about how much time you'll need to be away from work. You may not be able to drive or do certain other activities for a few weeks after surgery. Make sure family or friends can help you with errands and household chores. Planning ahead may include rearranging items you use often. This helps you reach them easily once you're home after surgery.
Having Realistic Expectations
What is a good surgical result for you? This surgery can help relieve neck and arm symptoms. But symptoms may not go away completely. Having realistic expectations may be the key to success. Before you have cervical disk surgery, learn what this procedure can and can't do for your problem. Discuss your expectations with your surgeon.
If You Need a Bone Graft
Depending on the type of surgery, you may need a bone graft. The graft is a piece of bone that can be obtained from a bone bank (allograft) or from a bone in your own body (autograft), for example, your pelvic (hip) bone. Your surgeon will discuss these options with you.
Fitting a Brace
Depending on your problem, your surgeon may recommend a rigid brace, a soft cervical collar, or no brace at all. A brace can help protect your cervical spine while it's healing by limiting its motion. The brace may be fitted before surgery or right afterward.
Before Surgery
To prepare for surgery:
- You may be told to stop taking certain medications, including herbal supplements and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen.
- Your surgeon may instruct you to stop smoking.
- You will be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.
- You will be asked to sign a surgery consent form.
- Your healthcare provider will discuss your options for anesthesia (medication to keep you asleep during surgery).
Risks and Complications
Your surgeon will discuss possible risks and complications of surgery, which include:
- Problems with swallowing
- Persistent hoarseness
- Side effects from anesthesia
- Failure of the graft to fuse
- Shifting or displacement of bone graft
- Damage to nearby structures
- Bleeding and possible need for transfusion
- Infection
- Spinal cord or nerve damage
This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem. © 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066-3030. www.krames.com 800-333-3032. All right reserved.