These procedures are often used for the diagnosis and management of underlying pain issues.
We are aware that patients have often been through a long investigative process and have been enduring some pain before reaching this stage of intervention. We understand that you will be both anxious and hopeful about the upcoming procedure. Please take your morning medications as you normally would whilst fasting (unless specified otherwise by your specialist). The exceptions are diabetic medications as well as anti inflammatory pain relief which should be withheld.
The goals of the anaesthesia are to alleviate anxiety, minimise discomfort and help facilitate the best conditions for good results. We use a range of sedation techniques to help with this. After the operation we ensure you can return to your normal pain relief regime until further review by your specialist.
Depending on the exact nature of the intervention, most procedures are done with the patient positioning themselves comfortably in a prone (face down) position. We usually use routine monitoring such as leads to monitor your heart rate and oxygen levels. All patients will have an intravenous cannula placed.
Lower spine (Lumbar and thoracic)
For these procedures, we provide sedation through the intravenous cannula. This helps relax the patient and improve the conditions for the intervention. While many patients don’t have much memory of the events, they still tend to recover more rapidly and with fewer side effects than after a general anaesthetic.
Cervical spine
You and your anaesthetist will work together to find a comfortable but effective position to best ensure safety and efficacy of the interventions. We will give light sedation via an intravenous cannula. Patients often have some recollection of the events of this procedure, but we will work hard to keep you as comfortable and relaxed as possible throughout.
Spinal stimulators
We appreciate that prior to having a spinal stimulator, patients have often been through a number of different interventions and anaesthetics.
For most spinal stimulator procedures, we provide deep sedation. Most patients have no recollection of the procedure. In selected situations, a general anaesthetic is most suitable. For a few days after this procedure, you will be prescribed some additional pain relief as well as some antibiotics due to the implanted prosthesis.