Procedure prep
Fasting Before Spine Surgery (Discectomy / Laminectomy)
Spine surgery like a discectomy (removing disc pressing on a nerve) or laminectomy (relieving pressure on the spinal canal) is done under general anesthesia, lying face down. The preparation is the familiar fasting and medicine routine, plus a few back-specific points.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — these need a clear stop-and-restart plan. See medications to stop.
- Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) before surgery unless approved — they can increase bleeding (and some spine surgeons limit them afterward too).
- Diabetes medicines & insulin need a fasting-day plan. See diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure medicines — confirm which to take with a sip of water.
- Tell your team about strong painkillers (opioids) you take regularly, so your pain relief can be planned.
When this surgery may be delayed
- Fever, a new cough/cold, or a chest infection
- Any skin break, spot, rash or infection on your back
- A urine infection (treated first, as infection near a spine operation is serious)
- New or worsening weakness, numbness, or bladder/bowel changes — tell your team urgently
- You ate or drank outside your fasting window
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and your insurance or hospital paperwork
- A current list of all your medicines, doses, and allergies
- Your spine MRI or CT and any clinic letters or pre-op tests
- A bag for your expected stay and loose, comfortable clothing
- A plan for help at home and a ride for discharge day
What to ask your anesthesia team
- Which of my blood thinners and painkillers do I stop, and when do I restart?
- How long is the operation and the hospital stay likely to be?
- When will I be helped up to walk, and will I need a brace?
- How much lifting, bending or sitting can I do in the first weeks?
- What pain relief can I use afterward if NSAIDs are limited?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
How soon will I be up and walking after spine surgery?
For common operations like a discectomy or laminectomy, teams usually have you up and walking within a day, because gentle movement helps recovery and lowers the risk of clots. How much you can bend, lift and sit is guided by your surgeon — follow their specific limits in the first weeks.
Can I take ibuprofen for pain after back surgery?
Sometimes not. Beyond the usual bleeding concern before surgery, some spine surgeons limit anti-inflammatory painkillers afterward — particularly after a fusion — because of effects on bone healing. Ask your surgeon what pain relief is recommended for your specific operation.
What back symptoms should I report before surgery?
Tell your team promptly about any new or worsening leg weakness, numbness spreading to the groin or inner thighs, or loss of control of your bladder or bowels. These can signal nerve pressure that needs urgent attention rather than waiting for the planned date.