Opération

What will happen during the intervention?

In the operating room, you will be put to sleep and then the surgeon will carry out radiological imaging to precisely locate the area(s) to set in place.

In general, the operation will last between two and six hours, depending on the technique used and the number of vertebrae to fuse. The neurosurgeon may need to insert one or two small hoses (drains or Redons) to allow the flow of blood to the incision areas. These hoses do not cause any pain and will be removed after a maximum of 48 hours.

What type of anesthesia will be used?

Whatever technique is selected, lung surgery is performed under general anesthesia. During a preliminary consultation, the anesthesiologist will give you information about this procedure along with an explanatory brochure. You must give him or her a list of the medications you are taking.

When will the operation be performed?

The operation is usually performed on the same day as your hospitalization. In this case, you must arrive with an empty stomach. Stop eating and drinking six hours before the procedure.

Hospital stays last an average of five days.

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If you take some medications, this may require hospitalization the day before or a few days before surgery.

What is a herniated disc?

What will happen during the intervention?

In the operating room, you will be positioned to lie on your stomach. The physician will carry out a radiological exam to precisely locate the area of the herniated disc. After making a cutaneous incision a few centimeters long, the neurosurgeon will remove the hernia and possibly part of the disc.

It may be necessary to insert a small hose (drain or Redon) in the area of the incision to allow the flow of blood. This hose causes no pain and will usually be removed after 48 hours.

How should you prepare for your discharge?

It is possible that you will be discharged as early as the second day after the operation at 11 a.m. It is preferable that one of your family members be present for your return home. They can also accompany you over the next few days to your appointments.

Depending on your health status, the doctor may prescribe a home carer (for cleaning, meals, etc.) in collaboration with the Geneva Home Assistance Institution (Institution genevoise de maintien à domicile (imad))

You will undergo surgery at the HUG.

Before your operation

Prior to your admission to the HUG, you will go to the anesthesia consultation and the pre-surgical consultation. During these consultations, all final arrangements and verifications related to the surgery will be made.

You will be given custom-tailored anesthesia by specialized doctors and nurses. Before you are brought to the operating room, you may be offered medication to control anxiety.

Your anesthetic care will start by fitting devices to monitor your vital functions: