Not only is there the procedure itself to worry about, but you also need to contend with the variables of general anesthesia, pain, recovery time, and myriad other challenges. While it’s true that traditional spine surgery can be an extensive undertaking requiring a prolonged procedure, hospital stay, and adverse side effects, there is another option — Awake Spinal Fusion.
This minimally invasive procedure has replaced traditional spinal fusion surgeries due to its cutting-edge use of conscious sedation — as opposed to general anesthesia — to allow for fewer side effects and quicker recovery times. In fact, patients can typically go home the day of their procedure or the following day. To see if Awake Spinal Fusion surgery is for you, reach out for a consultation today.
We’re proud to serve patients throughout New Jersey at our locations in:
As opposed to traditional spine surgery, Awake Spinal Fusion surgery is not performed under general anesthesia. Rather, it involved the use of monitored anesthesia care, otherwise known as “conscious sedation” or “twilight sleep.” This is administered through an IV to keep patients calm during the procedure.
As the term suggests, patients are typically still conscious and responsive during an awake surgery. They can even follow commands and answer questions during the procedure. During this innovative operation, a small incision is made in the skin, allowing access to the spine but resulting in minimal scarring. Awake surgeries are much shorter than their traditional counterparts; whereas a conventional spine surgery can take four to six hours, awake spine surgeries at our NJ clinics usually take one to three hours.
There are several advantages of awake spine surgeries performed by the team at NJ Spine and Wellness, including:
At NJ Spine and Wellness, we feature one of the world’s most renowned authorities on the Awake Spinal Fusion surgery, Dr. Alok D. Sharan, MD, MHCDS. Dr. Sharan mainly focuses on minimally invasive spine surgery and is an awake spine surgery specialist, serving as the Director for Spine and Orthopedics here at NJ Spine and Wellness. Not only is Dr. Sharan a well-respected expert in lumbar spinal fusion surgery, but he has also authored numerous researched-based publications, abstracts, and textbooks on the subject.
One of the most significant benefits of Awake Spinal Fusion surgery is the speedy recovery time. With most traditional spinal surgeries, it can take as long as three to four days in the hospital — and another several weeks or more of rehab — to regain function and mobility. Since Awake Spinal Fusion surgery is minimally invasive, it only requires a 24-hour hospital stay. Not only that, but patients can generally recover much faster and can resume their regular schedule sooner.
Are you curious if Awake Spinal Fusion surgery is right for you? Contact NJ Spine and Wellness to schedule a consultation with our team of spine specialists. We can answer all your questions and address your concerns, whatever they may be. Our doctors are compassionate caregiving who are dedicated to our patients’ wellbeing and health. For more information, contact us today
NJ Spine and Wellness, with offices in Matawan, East Brunswick, Freehold, and Old Bridge, New Jersey, is a multidisciplinary practice focused on helping patients and their families get better faster. The staff consists of highly trained and licensed professionals includes specialists in orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, pain management, chiropractic care, physical therapy, acupuncture, and occupational therapy.
