Disc Replacement Surgery Cost and Disc Replacement Surgery Procedures Information

Disc or Disk Replacement Surgery Cost and Procedure Introduction

Disk replacement surgery is an "open” procedure, which is performed in a hospital and requires a two to four day stay in the hospital. Disk replacement procedures are conducted using general anesthesia. The surgery is performed by a vascular surgeon along with an orthopedic surgeon or neurosurgeon. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged spinal disks and replaces them with an artificial disk made from medical-grade metal or a combination of medical-grade metal and plastic. Disk replacement surgery is usually recommended for patients with ongoing back pain, who are not excessively overweight, have not had any spinal injuries, and do not have any spinal deformity. This procedure is an alternative to spinal fusion surgery.

Patient Preparation for Disk Replacement Surgery

A physical examination will be performed along with X-rays, MRIs, and/or CT scans to determine the extent and location of the damage. It is particularly important to inform the physician of all medications or vitamins taken regularly or if you are pregnant (or think you might be pregnant). Also tell your doctor if you have heart, lung or other medical conditions that may need special attention and, finally, if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the surgery; be sure to read and follow those instructions. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. You will need to make arrangements for transportation after the surgery is complete. If you are given a prescription for pain medication, have it filled prior to surgery.

What to Expect During and After Disk Replacement Surgery

Disk replacement surgery takes two to three hours. After arriving at the hospital, an intravenous line is inserted into the arm to administer a sedative and general anesthesia. (You will be unconscious and pain-free.) Your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure. The surgeon will make an incision in your abdomen to reach the damaged disk. Organs, blood vessels and nerves are moved out of the way, at which point the surgeon will remove the damaged disk and replace it with the artificial disk. The surgeon will then close the incision.

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be taken to a hospital room. You'll stay in the hospital from two to four days, or until your pain in under control with oral medication. Before being discharged, you will be given instructions about care for your incisions, limits on activities and what you should do to aid your recovery. Recovery from disk replacement is quicker than back surgeries which involve healing bones — a few weeks to a few months. If you notice any of the following, call the number the hospital gave you: Fever, excessive sweating, difficulty urinating, redness, bleeding or worsening pain.