Thanks to surgical advances, spine procedures can take place in an outpatient setting.
Understanding Outpatient Spine Surgery
Traditionally, spine surgery has taken place in a hospital environment and involved open surgery and an inpatient hospital stay. Advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques have made it possible for many procedures to take place in an outpatient setting, and today, same-day surgeries are becoming increasingly common.
Common outpatient spine surgeries include:
- Lumbar laminectomy or microdiscectomy
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
- Spinal decompression
- Cervical disc replacement
Due to the rise in same-day procedures for all types of orthopedic surgery, outpatient ambulatory surgery centers are now designed to provide a more personalized approach. Patients receiving spine surgery arrive at these centers, receive anesthesia prior to their procedure, and afterwards, are discharged to return home with a designated caregiver that same day to begin the recovery process.
Benefits
Compared to traditional open surgery, the minimally invasive surgical techniques used during outpatient procedures offer a lower risk of complications, involve smaller incisions and less scarring, and spare healthy tissue around the spine – all of which contribute to a quicker recovery.
Same-day surgeries also cut down on delays and waiting times and spare costs associated with overnight hospital stays. Additionally, patients can recover in the comfort of a familiar home environment.
Outlook
Offering convenience and comfort, as well as faster recovery times, outpatient spine surgery is revolutionizing the patient experience. If you are a candidate for spine surgery, consult with your doctor to determine whether an outpatient procedure is right for you.
An Expert Weighs In
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in advertising. While attending Lee, Rachel served as editor-in-chief and creative director for the school’s biannual publication Vindagua and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. Since joining CMC Publications as editor, Rachel has assumed the role of managing editor, where she is responsible for the annual development and completion of seventeen publications involving health, wellness, and lifestyles articles that are published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
