Thoracolumbar fusion is a surgery to join bones in the middle and lower parts of your spine (thoracic and lumbar regions). It helps make the spine stable when it’s weak or damaged. This can happen because of wear and tear, injuries, or tumours. The surgery may also relieve pressure on nerves or the spinal cord caused by damaged discs or bones.
Patients having this surgery need special care, often involving:
You might have a problem with your shunt if you notice:
If you have any of these signs, contact your doctor, surgeon, or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
If you’re worried about any symptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. They can guide you through the next steps.
Conditions like hydrocephalus or intracranial hypertension can cause:
If you notice these symptoms, talk to a doctor as soon as possible.
You might have a problem with your shunt if you notice:
If you have any of these signs, contact your doctor, surgeon, or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
IMPORTANT FOR ALL PATIENTS.
If you are on any blood thinning medications such as anti-platelet, anti-coagulant or anti-inflammatory medications, they should be stopped one week prior to any surgery. Examples of these medications include plavix, co-plavix, prasugrel, ticagrelor, asasantin, aspirin, disprin, solprin, astrix, cartia, warfarin, pradaxa, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, clexane, heparin, celebrex, mobic, naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, ibuprofen.
Some diabetes medications need to be stopped up to three weeks prior to surgery. Please discuss with your doctor if you are taking one of these medications.
Similarly, any herbal or natural remedies including (but not limited to) traditional Chinese herbal remedies and prescriptions, naturopathic and homeopathic treatments, and supplements (such as glucosamine, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, turmeric and fish oil) should be stopped one week prior to any surgery.
If these medications are not stopped, then your surgery may need to be delayed and rescheduled for reasons of safety. If you are unsure about whether you need to stop any of your medications, please ask your doctor.
Depending on your general fitness and your medical co-morbidities, you may require an assessment by physician specialists and an anaesthetist to assess your safety for surgery, before a decision can be made about your suitability for surgery.
Prior to any surgery, you will need to fast. On the night prior to surgery, your last mouthful of food should be prior to 12 midnight. On the day of surgery, you can sip clear water up until 4 hours prior to your surgery. You may use this opportunity to take medications that your doctor is happy for you to take. Please check with your doctor, what you should do with your medications and write those instructions here.
A member of staff from the hospital or the surgeon’s rooms will contact you up to three days prior to your admission and discuss this with you. They will also discuss your hospital paperwork if this has not been done. This is your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your upcoming admission.
Important Note: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about the above, or are experiencing symptoms, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
In Case of Emergency: If you or someone you know experiences sudden, or severe onset of symptoms or other emergency symptoms, call 000 (Australia) or your local emergency number immediately.
This information has been prepared to help you understand your neurological condition better. Your healthcare team is the best source for advice about your specific situation and treatment options.
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