When preparing for spinal surgery, there are a few basic guidelines that you need to follow. These guidelines will prevent you from having your surgery delayed.
Video
Prior to surgery, all patients are required to watch an educational video that reviews in detail the surgical procedure, as well as the risks and benefits. Our educational videos discuss risks and benefits of potential surgeries offered by the KSPMC. Click the link below to register for this educational activity.
https://www.my-emmi.com/reading
Medications
You must stop taking the following medications and supplements five to seven days prior to surgery as they can interfere with blood clotting and may cause a risk of excessive bleeding during or after surgery. If you are taking any of these medications or supplements, please bring it to the attention of your spine specialist.
Blood thinners such as: Plavix, aspirin, Pradaxa, Effient and Coumadin. You will need to consult your family physician or cardiologist for permission to stop these medications.
Anti-inflammatories such as: Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve or Naprosyn.
Supplements: Vitamin E (including any vitamin E in your multivitamin) and fish oil.
Preadmission Testing and Medical Clearance
You will be required to undergo preadmission testing at one of the three hospitals that you choose. Keystone Spine and Pain Management Center physicians perform surgeries at the Surgical Institute of Reading and St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Your preadmission testing will include blood work. After your blood is drawn, you may meet with a representative of the hospital and possibly an anesthesiologist, who will instruct you on which of your medications you should take the morning of your surgery with sips of water.
You will also be required to obtain medical clearance from your family doctor and/or cardiologist prior to surgery. This will be arranged at the time you schedule your surgery.
Arrival At Hospital
The day before your surgery, our staff will contact you with the time you are to arrive at the hospital. Please be prompt. If you arrive late to the hospital, your surgery may need to be rescheduled.
Night Before Surgery
You may eat and drink up until 12:00 midnight the night before your procedure. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE. Should you eat or drink anything in the morning, other than medications that your anesthesiologist will discuss with you, your surgery WILL BE CANCELLED.
Your physician and the staff at Keystone Spine and Pain Management Center will review all of this information with you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 484-509-0840.