Advancements in Medicine, Health

Outpatient Spine Surgery

Rachel Studebaker
Benjamin Geddes, MD
Last Updated June 20, 2025
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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

“Surgical options for the spine are as varied as the conditions that can affect it – from degenerative disc disease and herniations to spinal stenosis and structural deformities. While the idea of spine surgery can be daunting for many, advances in minimally invasive and outpatient techniques have made the experience significantly less intimidating. These modern approaches often mean less pain, quicker recoveries, and less time spent away from home and work. My goal is always to match the right treatment to the right patient – taking into account their specific diagnosis, lifestyle, and personal goals for recovery and long-term mobility.”

Benjamin Geddes, MD Fellowship Trained Spine Surgeon, Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics

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 in English with a minor in advertising with the distinction of summa cum laude and served as editor-in-chief of the university’s biannual magazine, The Vindagua. After graduation, Rachel joined CMC Media & Marketing Group as an editor. Today, she serves as managing editor and is responsible for leading the editorial team in the development and completion of content for 17 publications involving health & wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle published in print and online for HealthScope® and CityScope® magazines as well as Choose Chattanooga® and Choose Huntsville™ – premier publications serving Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and North Alabama. In addition to writing, editing, and coordinating copy, Rachel oversees networking and reputation management for the company’s publications. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, attending concerts, trying new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.