What to Expect on Surgery Day

Knowing what happens on the day of surgery helps take away some of the stress. This is a general overview from Dr. Robert J. Ames, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon in Sewell and Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Details vary by procedure and facility.

Check-in

You will usually arrive one and a half to two hours before your scheduled surgery time. The nursing team will review your medications, confirm the procedure, start an IV, and answer questions.

Meeting the team

Before surgery you will see Dr. Ames, who will review the plan and mark the surgical site, and your anesthesiologist, who will explain the anesthesia and how pain will be managed afterward.

Anesthesia

Most spine operations are done under general anesthesia, so you are fully asleep. Some endoscopic procedures may use sedation with local anesthetic instead.

The operation

How long surgery takes depends on the procedure. A microdiscectomy or endoscopic procedure may take about an hour. A single-level disc replacement or fusion often takes one to three hours. Deformity corrections can take longer. Your family will be updated when surgery is finished.

Waking up

You will wake up in the recovery room, where nurses monitor your breathing, blood pressure, and pain. Grogginess, a sore throat from the breathing tube, and some incision pain are normal.

Going home or staying overnight

Same-day discharge: common after microdiscectomy, endoscopic surgery, and many cervical disc replacements
One night: common after some cervical fusions and lumbar decompressions
Several nights: typical after lumbar fusion and deformity surgery

Before you leave, the team makes sure you can walk safely, manage your pain, and eat and drink. You will need someone to drive you home.

First night at home

Walk short distances every few hours, take pain medication as directed, and keep the incision clean and dry. Call the office for fever, drainage from the incision, new weakness or numbness, or pain that isn't controlled.

Questions

Call (609) 267-9400 to reach Dr. Ames's office in Sewell or Cherry Hill, NJ.

Request an Appointment