It is normal to have some apprehension prior to any surgical procedure, even the most minimally invasive ones like our endoscopic procedures. We hope to allay some of those fears by equipping you with information so you know what to expect and can feel more at ease as your surgery day approaches.
I’m having an endoscopic procedure. What should I expect?
Plan to arrive at the surgery center 2 hours before surgery to begin the registration process and meet the staff. You will be introduced to your nurse and anesthetist prior to meeting with Dr. Oganesian. Dr. Oganesian will perform an exam when you meet with him, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you might still have prior to surgery. Bring a list of any questions you have with you, but you are always welcome to call our office at any time. We’re here to help and answer your questions!
How long will my endoscopic procedure last?
Most procedures last from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity and number of levels to be addressed. Dr. Oganesian will give you a more specific time approximation for your procedure when he meets with you.
When can I go home?
After your procedure, you will be taken to our recovery suite to be monitored closely by our skilled team. Most patients are in recovery for 1.5 to 2 hours before they can go home. We want to ensure that you are ready and won’t encounter problems when at home.
As a general rule of thumb, once you are able to walk to the bathroom and urinate without difficulty, you can be discharged home. To date, all endoscopic surgeries performed by Dr. Oganesian have resulted in patients going home the same day. We strive to get you home as soon as safely possible. You will need to plan for someone to drive you home.
What can I expect after surgery?
Although no surgery is without pain, most patients experience minimal discomfort after endoscopic surgery compared to those who have the same procedure performed with an open technique or with other minimally invasive, but non-endoscopic procedures. You will go home with instructions for pain medication should you need it, but always call our office if the medication you have is not alleviating your discomfort.
Patients go home with a dressing that is the size of a large bandaid. You will be instructed to monitor the site for bleeding or signs of infection, but you can shower the same day or the following day.
Follow-up with Dr. Oganesian will be 7-10 days after your surgery in the office.
Our hope is that you feel prepared and confident as the date of your surgery draws near. Endoscopic procedures have revolutionized how surgery is performed, allowing for better outcomes and reduced risk. Downtime is minimal, and you should be able to return to normal activities quicker than with other surgeries.
Dr. Armen Oganesian is devoted to high-quality clinical research and innovation in endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery. He and his dedicated staff are happy to answer questions and provide you with a safe and successful procedure!
For an individual consultation, contact Dr. Armen Oganesian at The Modern Spine Specialists today! Please contact The Modern Spine Specialists at 805-370-0748, or email us at info@themodernspine.com.
You can also visit our office at:
250 Lombard Street
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
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