Before MISS

Our team thoroughly explains the procedure and risks and answers any questions you have. Before surgery, you undergo a series of tests, including spine imaging. You may also have blood tests and an electrocardiogram to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. You’ll receive detailed instructions to prepare you for surgery, such as:

• Whether you should discontinue any medications or supplements before your procedure
• What you can eat and drink the night before and day of surgery
  

During MISS

You receive anesthesia so that you don’t feel pain during surgery. We typically use general anesthesia, which allows you to sleep during the procedure.

In some cases, spine surgery under local anesthesia, also known as awake spine surgery, is performed, offering many benefits. At this time, local anesthesia is only offered by Dr. Todd Alamin.

Awake surgery has many benefits, including:

• Eliminates the risk of side effects from general anesthesia, which can cause postoperative confusion, nausea, and even pneumonia and other rare health events
• Reduces the need for postoperative pain medication
• Shortens hospital stay (many patients go home the same day)

There are many types of MISS procedures. Your surgeon may access your spine through small incisions in your back, chest, abdomen, or side. Intraoperative imaging helps guide the procedure. We may also perform the surgery using a robotic platform or similar state-of-the-art surgical system. These advanced tools allow for superior precision and safety.

After MISS

After the procedure, we close your incisions with stitches or glue and cover them with surgical tape or bandages. We transfer you to a postsurgical area for observation. Depending on the type of surgery, you may go home that day or spend several days in the hospital.

Complete recovery takes time. Your surgeon will tell you what to expect and what follow-up care you need, such as physical therapy. Our team is here for you if you have any problems or questions.