Neurosurgery is a complex and specialized branch of medicine that addresses conditions and injuries of the brain and spinal cord.
Whether you are planning to undergo neurosurgery for the treatment of your unique brain or spinal cord problem, it’s important to prepare beforehand to improve your recovery and reduce the risk of surgery-related complications.
Here are some things you need to know when preparing for a neurosurgery procedure.
Make Sure to Undergo Preoperative Assessment
Before your surgery, you will likely undergo preoperative assessment, which usually begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination.
The team at your neurosurgeon’s office will ask about your current and past medical conditions, medications, allergies, and social history. They will also perform a physical examination to assess your vital signs, cardiovascular health, and neurological function. You can also get clearance for neurosurgery from your internist, cardiologist, or other specialist.
In addition to the medical history and physical examination, the preoperative assessment may involve a variety of tests, such as blood tests to check the patient’s blood counts, electrolytes, and kidney and liver function; urine tests to check for infection; imaging tests, such as MRI, CT scan, or X-rays, to get a detailed picture of the area to be operated on; electrocardiogram (EKG) to assess the patient’s heart rhythm.
Preoperative assessment is also the best time to ask your neurosurgeon any questions about the surgery, including the procedure, possible benefits and risks, and any associated complications.
Follow Your Neurosurgeon’s Preoperative Instructions
Every neurosurgery procedure is different, and following your surgeon’s specific preoperative instructions is critical for the success of the procedure. These instructions may include dietary restrictions (such as eating a healthy diet and eliminating certain foods and drinks like alcohol and processed food from your diet), medication changes (such as avoiding blood thinners, antiplatelets, and certain herbal products), and cessation of smoking and other harmful habits before the surgery.
Following your neurosurgeon’s pre-op instructions will ensure that your surgery goes as smoothly as possible.
Make Necessary Preoperative Arrangements
After your neurosurgery, you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, and sleepy and may not be able to drive or care for yourself for a while. Therefore, make necessary accommodations, including transportation to and from the hospital, childcare arrangements, or pet care. It’s also important to have a support system in place to help you with household chores and provide emotional support during your recovery period.
Planning early on can remove additional physical or emotional burdens before the surgery.
Discuss Your Postoperative Care with Your Neurosurgeon
Postoperative care is an incredibly important part of the recovery process following neurosurgery. Before your surgery, you must have a detailed conversation with your neurosurgeon about what to expect after the procedure.
This talk should cover potential complications, postoperative pain management, and any necessary lifestyle changes. You might need to modify your diet, temporarily adjust your physical activity level, or adjust your daily routine following surgery.
Understanding your postoperative care will help you mentally prepare for the journey ahead and facilitate a more seamless transition back to daily life.
Neurosurgery in Colorado
With the right preparation and information on the neurosurgery procedure, you can reduce anxiety, optimize recovery, and return to your daily routine with ease.
At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, we have a team of highly trained and exceptionally skilled neurosurgeons who specialize in a range of surgical, minimally invasive, and nonsurgical treatments. Our neurosurgeons guide our patients at each stage to ensure they are well-informed about their procedure, benefits, potential risks, and recovery process.
If you have questions for us or would like to schedule a consultation with one of our exceptionally skilled neurosurgeons to discuss treatment options for your brain or spine problem, contact our staff today at (303) 790-1800 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
