- Approximately 2 weeks before your surgery date please check to ensure all preoperative testing and/or clearance has been received.
- PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR INSURANCE IS UP TO DATE. This will help prevent any delay or reschedule of your upcoming surgery.
- Also please ensure you are nicotine free for up to 2 months prior to surgery date to prevent date from being postponed. This includes but is not restricted to vapes, smokeless tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, and nicotine gum.
Surgery Location
Your spine surgery will be performed at either the JCMG Surgery Center or SSM St. Mary’s hospital. Patients will report the morning of surgery at the time provided (time usually given the day before).
Day of Surgery
- Surgery Time: Someone from our office will call you a day or 2 before your surgery with the time of arrival.
- Medications: A member of our anesthesia team will address medications to continue or stop prior to your surgery at your pre-operative screening. This includes blood thinners. Generally speaking; 3 full days prior to surgery is recommended to stop taking your blood thinners but will be decided by the anesthesia team.
- Pre-op Skin Care: Please SHOWER the night before surgery with mild dial soap or any other cleanser you received during your pre-op education appointment.
- NO EATING OR DRINKING AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR SURGERY.
Expected Length of Stay in the Hospital
Please be advised that the numbers of days indicated below are only estimations, as your actual length of stay in the hospital may vary based on many factors, including your rate of recovery, activity level after surgery, pain control, etc.
- 1-2 Level Cervical Fusion: 0-1 days
- 3-5 Level Cervical Fusion: 1-2 days
- 1-2 Level Thoracic/Lumbar Fusion: 1-2 days
- 3-5 Level Thoracic/Lumbar Fusion: 1-2 days
- 6-11 Level Fusion: 2-3 days
- 12+ Level Fusion: 3-4 days
- Laminectomy/Laminotomy: 0-1 days
- Microdiscectomy: 0-1 days
- Foraminotomy: 0-1 days
- Laminoplasty: 1-2 days
Preparing for your hospital stay
- Please wear comfortable clothing to hospital and throughout your stay. Things such as loose fitting and/or button down tops, elastic pants, and/or pajamas are encouraged.
- Bring toiletries that would help make your stay more comfortable.
- Please bring an updated medication list on the day of your surgery.
- Please leave valuables (jewelry, money, etc.) at home or give them to a friend or family member before you check in at the hospital.
- You may have up to 1 family member stay with you throughout your stay.