Robotic surgery enables neurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Doherty at Yale Neurosurgery New London in New London, Connecticut, to perform highly complex back surgery and neck surgery with more precision and control than traditional surgical procedures.
Our team offers this information about this advanced surgery and how you can prepare for it.
Starting with your first evaluation with us, Dr. Patrick Doherty treats painful back and neck problems with conservative treatment whenever possible. Your plan may include physical therapy, injection-based treatments to relieve nerve irritation and inflammation, or activity modification to reduce pain and improve mobility. These therapies are often quite successful.
However, if your symptoms don’t respond adequately to conservative treatment, Dr. Doherty may recommend surgery. Conditions amenable to robotic spine surgery include:
Robotic spine surgery aims to restore stability, relieve compressed nerves, and reduce moderate to severe pain. The benefits of robotic spine surgery include decreased surgical trauma resulting in faster healing and recovery during rehab.
Before the surgery, Dr. Doherty provides personalized instructions about preparing for your procedure. The specifics often depend on your current health status and the nature of your back problem.
However, there are several steps you can take before surgery to help ensure a successful outcome:
Our team at Yale Neurosurgery New London encourages questions about your planned procedure. Dr. Doherty is happy to participate in a thorough discussion of what you can expect before, during, and after surgery. This information helps you prepare for a successful outcome.
Dr. Doherty carefully reviews your medical history and current health status before recommending surgery. It’s essential to follow any presurgical instructions he provides. For instance, with medical approval, he may ask you to stop certain medications a few days before the procedure or alter your intake the night before.
Presurgical medication changes usually include avoiding over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin, which can thin your blood and increase bleeding. Ignoring these or other presurgical instructions could delay your surgery.
Try these commonsense steps to strengthen your heart, respiratory, and circulatory health before surgery:
These healthy habits can boost your body’s natural healing response and speed recovery following surgery.
Although robotic spine surgery is less traumatic than traditional procedures, temporary activity modifications may apply. Enlist the support of family and friends in advance for assistance with a ride home and meals or other daily tasks immediately following your surgery.
For effective treatment that may include robotic spine surgery, call Yale Neurosurgery New London today to schedule an evaluation.
