How to Prepare for Cervical Spine Surgery

Cervical spine surgery is a special type of orthopedic surgery. It is commonly conducted on an elective basis to deal with either:

  • spinal cord/ nerve impingement(Decompression surgery)
  • Instability of spine (fusion surgery)

Often, the two procedures may be combined since a decompression may cause de-stabilization of spine and result in need of a fusion surgery to restore stability. Cervical spine surgery cost in India is relatively low.

neck-pain

Before you undergo cervical spine surgery, you can make the following preparations for a speedy recovery:

Preparing the Home:

Before being admitted to hospital, you can do following preparations at home to aid recovery:

  • Prepare and freeze ready to eat meals.
  • Arrange for a person who will assist you in doing chores like shopping.
  • Move pots, pans, and commonly used utensils to a high shelf, so you can avoid bending.
  • Keep shoes, toiletries and clothing where you can reach for them without bending.
  • Remove objects you can trip over, like rugs and electric cords.

You may also need to arrange special equipment to help you have a comfortable recovery:

  • Elevated toilet seat
  • Walker
  • Chair, bench or tub seat to help you shower or bathe
  • Reaches with long handle
  • Hospital type beds for some patients
  • Brace/ neck collar

The physical therapist and care giving professional will arrange for this equipment and check whether they are covered by your medical insurance. Equipment will be delivered to your home.

Transport to Go Home:

You must arrange for proper transport to take you home after hospital stay. But you cannot resume driving by yourself without the doctor’s permission and it is illegal to drive wearing a brace or collar.

Medication:

You must refrain from consuming aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) like Indochina and Ibuprofen, at least 2 weeks before surgery. For ascertaining whether the drugs you are consuming have aspirin or NSAID’s content, check with your pharmacist. Once these are discontinued, you may consume Tylenol of extra strength to alleviate pain. It is important you inform doctor about all your regular medication including herbal and dietary supplements.

Stop Smoking;

If you are a smoker, you must stop at least 2 weeks before surgery. Smoking has been found to interfere with healing of bones.

Consult Medical Doctor

Your orthopedic surgeon will recommend a pre-surgery consultation with a medical doctor or general physician. This is to check for any other medical problem that will interfere with the surgery.

Your doctor will arrange a pre-surgery testing and evaluation which may consist of the following:

  • Physical examination and medical history by a nurse
  • Interview for anesthesia
  • Urine and blood tests
  • Electrocardiogram
  • CT Scan, MRI, Spine x-rays as needed
  • Education of the patient

Blood Donation:

You must arrange for blood for the sake of the surgery. Collecting your own blood for the purpose is the best idea. Around two to four weeks prior to surgery, you can donate one unit of blood. Before donating blood, you must consume iron tablets.

Arrange Finances:

You must make arrangements for financing your surgery either by availing insurance or otherwise.Cervical spine treatment cost in India is relatively low attracting many medical tourists from all over the world.

These are some ways to prepare for cervical spine surgery.

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