How to Prepare for Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Blog Summary:

• Minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery offers smaller incisions, faster recovery, and lower infection risk.

• Preparation is key for safety, comfort, and lasting results.

• Get medical clearance, adjust medications, and follow fasting instructions.

• Quit smoking, limit alcohol, and maintain light activity before surgery.

• Avoid starting new meds, strenuous movements, or ignoring illness symptoms.

• Arrange transportation, stock essentials, and set up a recovery zone at home.

• Confirm all prep steps with your surgeon before surgery day.

Many back conditions can be treated with minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS or MISS). Compared to other types of surgeries, MIS, which is usually an outpatient surgery, has several advantages.

But MIS is still surgery, and consequently, it’s important to prepare accordingly. Doing so will help ensure your comfort, safety, and the efficacy of long-term results.

We’ve already covered how to prepare for back surgery in general in our blog post “The Complete Guide to Back Surgery Prep”. But in this guide, we’ll share specifics on how to specifically prepare for minimally invasive spine surgery.

Why Preparation is Different for Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Spine Procedures

Minimally invasive surgery can be performed various ways but very often, as is the case here at Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center, it’s performed endoscopically. Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS), which is actually a specific type of ultra-minimally-invasive spine surgery, uses specialized instruments and cameras that a highly-trained spine surgeon inserts into extremely small incisions.

Thanks to this approach, minimally invasive endoscopic surgery is associated with minimal blood loss and tissue damage, low risk of infection, and a faster recovery period compared to other types of spine surgery. Many procedures, from microdiscectomy to spinal decompression, can be performed in this manner, and usually, when this is the case, the procedure is performed in an outpatient setting with patients often returning home the same day as their surgery.

But that convenience comes with a catch: you’ll need to be fully ready to manage the first phase of recovery at home. Here’s how.

How to Prepare for Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Surgery

1. Get Cleared for Surgery

Your doctor will likely order imaging, such as an MRI, CT scan, or X-ray in order to properly plan for the surgery. They also may order blood tests or metabolic workups in order to make sure that your body is ready for the healing required after having the operation done.

If you have any preexisting conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease, you might also need clearance from your primary care physician or a specialist.

2. Adjust Your Medication and Supplement Routine

Be sure to talk to your physician about any medications or supplements you regularly take.

Certain drugs, like blood thinners, NSAIDs, or even some herbal supplements including garlic, ginger, and ginkgo biloba, can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken alongside blood thinners.

Be sure to follow any fasting instructions from your surgeon too. Typically, you won’t be allowed to eat or drink after 11:59 PM the night before your procedure.

3. Make Lifestyle Changes

There are a number of lifestyle choices that can inhibit post-operative healing. These include smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol regularly, and eating a high-inflammatory diet. Therefore, consider:

• Quitting smoking before you have surgery

• Limiting or ceasing alcohol intake

• Eating an anti-inflammatory diet

• Staying lightly active within the limits of your condition under the supervision of your doctor

It’s also recommended that you have an in-depth conversation with your prospective spine surgeon in order to understand all the benefits and risks that having surgery presents. At Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center, all patients get access to a 45-minute initial consultation with Dr. Baig for this very purpose.

What Not to Do

• Medications and Supplements: Do not begin taking any new medications or supplements unless your surgeon has approved them.

• Physical Activity: Avoid strenuous activities like bending, twisting, or heavy lifting.

• Illness: If you develop a fever or become ill, contact your care team right away. Your surgery may need to be postponed.

How to Prepare Your Home for Same-Day Discharge

Because endoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery (ESS) is usually an outpatient procedure and therefore allows for same-day discharge, you’ll want to plan ahead to make sure that your transition home is safe and seamless. Steps to take include:

1. Arrange Transportation: You won’t be allowed to drive after surgery, so you’ll have to arrange for a friend, family member, or car service to pick you up.

2. Secure a Helper: Someone should stay with you at home for the first 24-48 hours to assist you with meals, mobility, and personal care.

3. Create a Recovery Zone and Prepare Your Sleeping Situation: Set up a sleeping area / resting area with essentials like your phone charger, water, snacks, medications, and more. Be sure that everything is within arm’s reach to minimize unnecessary bending, twisting, and stretching.

4. Stock Up in Advance: Get all your prescriptions filled before surgery and prepare easy-to-heat meals in advance. Consider also stocking up on daily necessities like toiletries and sundries so that you don’t need to go to the store for anything in the days following your surgery.

5. Set Up Your Seating Area: While a comfortable bed is essential, you should also consider your seating situation and, if you’re able, purchase a supportive chair. You’ll need to get up regularly to walk, but the last thing you want is an unsupportive chair or couch during surgery recovery.

Quick Tips: A Final Prep Checklist

Run through this list before surgery:

• Have I obtained medical clearance?

• Has imaging been completed?

• Have I confirmed any medication changes with my surgeon?

• Have I set up a home recovery zone?

• Have I set up a support network for post-op care?

Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Right for Me?

Wondering if endoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery for your lower back or cervical spine issues is the answer?

Get in touch with us at Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center for access to your 45-minute pre-operative medical consultation.