ACD&F (Anterior Cervical Diskectomy & Fusion – Neck Surgery)

1. Why am I hoarse following an ACD&F procedure?
About 3-6% of patients have hoarseness that often resolves over time by itself.

2. How much may I move my head following an ACD&F?
The collar will limit your movement an appropriate amount.

3. Why do I have muscle spasms following an ACD&F?  How long do they usually last? What can be done or prescribed to relieve some of the tightness?
Muscle spasms occur when the muscles in the back of the neck become irritated.  Many last up to 2-3 weeks after surgery.  Moist heat is recommended, and occasionally muscle relaxers are prescribed.

4. Does bank bone fuse better than the iliac crest bone?
Generally your own bone will fuse quicker because it has living bone cells in it.  Bank Bone will allow your body to send bone cells into it and it will become your own bone.  The rate of fusion is about the same for both.  The procedure to obtain iliac crest bone (hip bone) requires a separate incision, and the procedure may be painful. 

Laminectomy

1. Why do my feet feel numb “asleep” following lumbar laminectomy surgery?
Numbness after surgery is not uncommon. It is one of the slowest symptoms to go away.

2. How much may I lift following spinal surgery?
Generally, you should lift no more than 5 to 10 pounds for a month following surgery.

3. How much walking may I do following spinal surgery?
You may walk (if comfortable) everyday.   Do not walk to the point of exhaustion. If it starts to hurt, rest. No pain, no gain is not the rule of thumb for the first few weeks immediately following surgery.

4. How soon may I drive after surgery?
You will be allowed to drive one week after surgery (usually after your first post op visit). You may ride as a passenger the same day of your surgery.

5. How long will I be out of work following spinal surgery?
Usually 1-3 weeks, but each patient is treated individually.

All Surgical Procedures

1. How do I know if my incision is healing properly?
It is normal for the incision to be a little sore and the incision site may itch. The dressing should remain clean and dry.

2. How do I know if my incision is infected?
If the incision drains pus or the outside of the incision gets very red or hot, call the office.

3. Why do you want me off pain medications so soon after surgery?
We surveyed our patients and learned that most of them stop using pain medication about 3 days after surgery. Therefore, refills are ordered on an individual basis so as not to develop a tolerance to the medication.

4. What is pain management?  What will they do to me, and why am I being sent there?
Sometimes surgery can not alleviate pain. Patients with retractable pain are referred for medical management of their pain. Treatments by pain specialists include therapy, injections, steroids, pain relievers or other modalities.

5. What is the difference between general anesthesia and local mac?
With general anesthesia you will be completely asleep. General anesthesia is used when it is necessary for the patient to be completely still during surgery. You are awakened as soon as the surgery is complete. While under local mac anesthesia the patient is sedated with medicine given through an IV. The patient is monitored during the procedure.

6. How long does it take for the anesthesia to wear off?
Usually the anesthesiologist wakes the patient up as soon as surgery is over. The effects from anesthesia may last a day or two.

7. At what point will physical therapy be introduced?
Physical therapy is usually introduced after your first post-op visit, however most patients do not require it.

About our Specialty

1. What is Neurosurgery?
Neurosurgery is the medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of patients who have injury or diseases of the brain, spine or nerves.

2. How are Neurosurgeons trained?
After 4 years of medical school and one year of general surgery internship, a doctor enters an accredited neurosurgical residency training program of  5 to 7 years affiliated with a university teaching hospital. Neurosurgeons are trained in all aspects of neurosurgery including neuro-trauma, spinal disorders, cerebrovascular, pediatrics, and tumors. The training is long and arduous.

3. How are Neurosurgeons certified?
Not all neurosurgeons, or doctors for that matter, are Board Certified. Only those who successfully complete an accredited training program, pass a series of written and oral examinations and have at least 2 years of practice data approved are certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons. In order to maintain board certification status, the neurosurgeon must continually update his knowledge base through ongoing study, courses, meetings and special symposia throughout his career.