Leading up to the surgery:
You may be told to not eat or drink anything for several hours before the surgery. You will probably have to stay in the hospital for a few days. You may not be allowed to drive for some time after surgery. For a short time after surgery, you may need some help at home with things like bathing, dressing, cleaning, and shopping. You may want to arrange this ahead of time.
The Procedure
For an artificial disc replacement procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen. Your organs and blood vessels will be moved to the side to allow access to your spine. The surgeon will remove the damaged disk and put the new artificial disk in place. Your organs and blood vessels are put back in place and the incision will be closed.
You will be taken to a recovery area after for close monitoring until you are awake from the anesthesia.
After Surgery
You will probably need to stay in the hospital for a few days after your surgery. Because a lumbar disk replacement doesn't require bone to heal, the recovery period may be faster than with other back surgeries. You'll be given pain medicines if you need them, and may be encouraged to stand and walk within the first day after surgery.
Dr. Bindal is one of the few surgeons in the state of Texas who has had large amounts of success with artificial disc replacement surgery. Schedule your consultation for an artificial disc replacement procedure in Houston!