Canal Stenosis – How to Prepare for Surgery

What is Canal Stenosis Surgery

Preparing for canal stenosis surgery requires a lot of open communication with your surgical team. It is essential for you to understand what to expect during and after this procedure. Be sure to ask any questions you may have about the upcoming surgery. Be sure to learn all you can about what this surgery entails and ask questions. This will help you will feel prepared and confident on the day of your procedure. 

The purpose of canal stenosis surgery is to relieve the pressure within your spinal canal, by removing a portion of a damaged disc or vertebrae. Once the space within the spinal canal returns to normal, the pinched nerve within the canal that is causing your pain will be decompressed. The goal of canal stenosis surgery is generally the same regardless of the type of surgery. However, the techniques used during traditional open back surgery and minimally invasive surgery can be vastly different. 

What to Expect During Surgery

If you choose minimally invasive canal stenosis surgery at BEST Health System over traditional open neck or back surgery, you are opting for a shorter recovery time and lower risk of complications. These benefits are due to the way the surgeon accesses the spine. Minimally invasive spine surgery at BEST Health System uses a smaller, less than the one-inch incision. As well as muscle sparing techniques to enter the spinal canal. On the contrary, the incision used during traditional open spine surgery is much larger. It often cuts through the large muscles surrounding the spine. 

It is important to understand the different approaches between the two types of canal stenosis surgery. This will allow you to make an informed decision about the procedure you think is best for you. 

What to Expect After Canal Stenosis Surgery

After canal stenosis surgery, your provider will give you a set of guidelines, concerning what you can or can’t do during recovery. Patients who opt for minimally invasive spine surgery at BEST Health System can typically return to their home or hotel within hours after surgery. However, patients who undergo traditional open spine surgery are often required to stay several nights in the hospital to be monitored. 

To find out more about the advantage of minimally invasive canal stenosis surgery, contact BEST Health System today. We can help you schedule an appointment and see if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures.