Questions for Your Surgeon Before Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Before undergoing minimally invasive spine surgery, you need clear answers from your surgeon. Asking the right questions can help you understand the procedure, set realistic expectations, and feel more confident about your decision.
Start with the basics: what exactly are they fixing, and how? Get specific about the condition being treated and why this surgical approach is right for you.
Key questions to ask your surgeon include:
- What is the exact diagnosis, and how will surgery help?
- What type of minimally invasive technique will you use?
- What are the risks and potential complications?
- How long will the surgery take, and will I need anesthesia?
- What should I expect during the recovery process?
- How long before I can return to work or daily activities?
- What happens if the surgery doesn’t relieve my symptoms?
- How many of these procedures have you performed?
Also ask about what to do before surgery. You might need to adjust medications, stop smoking, or begin light stretching exercises. Understanding your role in pre-op prep can lead to a better outcome.
Don’t forget to clarify post-op support. Will you need physical therapy? Who do you call if you experience a setback? And how accessible is your surgeon if you have concerns during recovery?
The best surgeons welcome questions—they want you informed, prepared, and confident. By getting clarity now, you reduce surprises later and walk into surgery with a clear understanding of the journey ahead.
Virginia Spine Specialists is an award-winning, minimally invasive spinal care practice with locations in Fredericksburg, VA and Manassas, VA. We also serve these Northern and Central Virginia locations: Haymarket, Gainesville, Culpepper, Front Royal, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Colonial Beach, Tappahannock and Lake Anna.
