Laser Endoscopic Spine Surgery
We welcome you to the Excel Spine Center family and thank you for choosing us for your upcoming surgical procedure. Our team considers patient satisfaction to be of the upmost importance and we intend to exceed your expectations during this experience. As a leader in minimally invasive spine surgery, we take pride in offering the finest and most advanced spine care available. Laser Endoscopic Spine Surgery (LESS) offers the following benefits compared to traditional open spine surgery:
• Same-day procedure
• 1 cm incision covered with a bandaid
• Less muscle and tissue damage
• Decreased blood loss
• Reduced post-operative infection rate
• Less post-operative pain
• Smaller scars
• Faster recovery time
• Quicker return to daily activities
You are the most important member of our team and are encouraged to take an active role in preparing for your surgery and recovery. You can make your surgical outcome safer and more successful if you are active, involved, well informed, and carefully follow your schedule and instructions.
Please take the time to carefully read this entire packet in order to understand your role in ensuring effective preparation and a smooth recovery. The enclosed information outlines the logistics of your upcoming operation, and explains what you need to do before, during, and after surgery. We highly recommend that you use this guide as a step-by-step tool throughout the entire surgery process. We also urge you to share this information with your family/friends who will be helping you prior to surgery and throughout your recovery. Please note: This packet is just a guide. You may be given different or additional instructions that are specific to your condition or procedure.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We understand that undergoing a surgical procedure can be a stressful and hectic time for you and your family, and we are here to help! Once again, thank you for choosing us for your spine care.
Sincerely,
Dr. Choll Kim and Team
What happens next? Kelsey, our surgery scheduler, will start coordinating your surgery with the hospital/surgery center. In the meantime, please complete your pre-op clearance tests and schedule an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP) as soon as possible.
1. PRE-OPERATIVE APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN
Please schedule an appointment with your PCP as soon as possible for a medical history and physical exam. Your PCP will review the results of your pre-op tests and determine if you are healthy enough to undergo spine surgery. Please email Kelsey at Kelsey@excelspine.com when you have scheduled this appointment to give her a better idea of when to expect the results and the medical clearance note. Also, please ask your doctor to fax a copy of your medical clearance note to our office at: (619) 333-6029. If you have other active medical problems, you may also need to obtain clearance from a specialist.
2. PRE-OPERATIVE APPOINTMENT WITH DR.KIM
Kelsey will contact you to choose a date for your surgery and to schedule your pre-op appointment with Dr. Kim, which will take place about 1-2 weeks prior to surgery. She will also mail and email you a letter outlining these dates, in addition to other important information. We will be sending you consent forms; please review, sign and bring these with you to your pre-op appointment with Dr. Kim. If there are any parts of the consent that you wish to discuss prior to signing, please contact our office before your pre-op appointment. During this appointment, you will go over your treatment “pathway” (also known as the “journey to recovery”) and you will be given instructions for medication(s) to take after surgery. Please email any questions or concerns to Kelsey at Kelsey@excelspine.com ahead of time; we want to ensure that Dr. Kim answers all of your questions and addresses any concerns during this appointment.
3. PRE-ADMISSION APPOINTMENT WITH THE HOSPITAL/ SURGERY CENTER
If a hospital pre-admission appointment is needed, Kelsey will schedule it to take place on the same day as your pre-op appointment with Dr. Kim. During this appointment, you will verify your contact information and insurance. A nurse will also provide you with special antibacterial soap, instructions for the morning of surgery, and answer any questions regarding your hospital stay. Please bring a complete list of your allergies and medications, including the dosage, how often you take it, and the reason for the medication.
MEDICATIONS
Please email a complete list of your allergies and medications (prescription and non-prescription), including the dosage, how often you take it, and the reason for the medication, to Kelsey@excelspine.com. Some medications can affect blood clotting and increase the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgery. Please follow these instructions for your safety and to avoid cancellation of your procedure. You should, however, NOT discontinue the bold medicines below without clearance from the provider who prescribes them (PCP/hematologist/cardiologist).
30 DAYS PRIOR TO SURGERY, DISCONTINUE:
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7 DAYS PRIOR TO SURGERY, DISCONTINUE:
- Aspirin
- Coumadin/Warfarin
- Effient/Prasugrel
- Pradaxa/Dabigatran
- Aggrenox/Dipyridamole
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as Mobic/Meloxicam, Motrin/Ibuprofen/Advil,Naproxen/Naprosyn/Aleve, Ketorolac, Voltaren/Diclofenac, Celebrex (Note: Tramadol, and Tylenol/Acetaminophen are ok to take for pain control during this time)
- Oral naltrexone (Do not restart this medication after surgery until you have discontinued all opioid pain medications [including Tramadol] for at least 7-10 days)
- If you take a GLP-1 Agonist weekly, stop 1 week prior to surgery. These include: Dulagutide/Trulicity, Exenatide/Byetta or Bydureon, Liraglutide/Saxenda or Victoza, Lixisenatide/Adlyxin, Semaglutide/Ozempic/Wegovy/Rybelsus
5 DAYS PRIOR TO SURGERY, DISCONTINUE:
- Plavix/Clopidogrel (Restart 72 hours after surgery)
2 DAYS PRIOR TO SURGERY, DISCONTINUE:
- Eliquis/Apixaban (Restart 72 hours after surgery)
- Xarelto/Rivaroxaban (Restart 72 hours after surgery
THE DAY BEFORE SURGERY, DISCONTINUE:
- Metformin
- If you take a GLP-1 Agonist daily, stop 1 day prior to surgery. These include: Dulagutide/Trulicity, Exenatide/Byetta or Bydureon, Liraglutide/Saxenda or Victoza, Lixisenatide/Adlyxin, Semaglutide/Ozempic/Wegovy/Rybelsus.
DO NOT TAKE THESE MEDICATIONS AFTER 5PM THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY, OR THE MORNING OF SURGERY:
- ACE inhibitors (Lisinopril, Captopril, Enalapril, Sacubitril, Benazepril, Fosinopril, Moexipril, Perindopril, Quinapril)
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers/ARBs (Losartan, Valsartan, Candesartan, Irbesartan, Eprosartan, Olmesartan, Telmisartan, Valsartan).
ON THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY, DO NOT EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT.
- This includes gum and candy. It is ok to brush your teeth the morning of surgery and take medicine with a small sip of water, but do not drink a full cup.
FAMILY, FRIEND OR CAREGIVER SUPPORT
A family member, close friend or other designated caregiver will become an important member of your extended team to help you prior to surgery and throughout your recovery. Please introduce these individuals to Dr. Kim. Please also make arrangements to have a family member or friend drive you home from the hospital, stay with you for the first few days at home and drive you to your post-op appointment with Dr. Kim. If this is a problem, please notify our office.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
- Please arrive at the hospital/facility at the time directed by the hospital/facility. This is usually 2 hours prior to your scheduled surgery.
- Remain NPO (no food and no water) as instructed.
- After checking in, you will be asked to complete any remaining admission or consent forms.
- You will then be escorted to the pre-operative holding area to be prepared for your surgery.
- You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
- An IV line will be started and an initial set of vital signs will be taken.
- The anesthesiologist will review your chart and answer any of your questions.
- Dr. Kim will meet with you to answer any last-minute questions and exchange/verify contact information with you and your family and/or friends.
DURING THE PROCEDURE
- When the surgical team is ready, you will be taken to the operating room.
- The anesthesiologist will manage your vital signs and adjust your anesthetic as needed to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the entire time you are in the operating room.
- While you are sleeping, a small tube, called a Foley catheter, may be inserted into your bladder to drain urine during your surgery. This catheter is either removed while still in the operating room or may remain in place until you are up and out of bed if you are expected to stay in the hospital overnight.
- A neuromonitoring technician may apply electrodes to your arms and legs to monitor certain nerve signals intraoperatively.
- The surgical team will prepare you and place drapes to ensure a sterile environment.
- The total time required for surgery differs from patient to patient depending on the complexity of the procedure.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
- You will be taken to a recovery area where you will remain for 1-2 hours.
- Dr. Kim will update your family and/or friends.
- You may feel a bit groggy from the anesthesia.
- A nurse will monitor your vital signs and check your pain level. You should tell the nurse when it hurts, where it hurts and how much it hurts on a pain scale of 0-10.
- Your nurse will let you know when you are medically ready to leave and will review the discharge instructions with you.
After 3 days, remove the dressing and leave the incision open to air. Wash your hands before and after caring for your incision. Your incision has medical glue that dries purple and acts like a barrier to protect your incision. Let the glue flake off over the next up to 3 weeks; do not pick at the flakes. Wear a clean cotton T-shirt to keep the area dry. Do not apply creams, lotions, or ointments to the incision for the first 6 weeks. To avoid infection or scarring, do not scratch or scrub the incision. Please notify us of any discharge from the wound and email a photo of your wound and dressing if this occurs to Choll@excelspine.com. Please include the time of your last dressing change in the email so we can assess the quantity of discharge and recommend appropriate wound care. If you have been prescribed antibiotics, finish the entire prescription as directed.
- Change positions at least every 30-45 minutes.
- Stay active throughout the day, taking breaks
when necessary. - Take pain medication as directed and at least 30 minutes before planned activity or exercise.
- Apply a covered ice pack 2-3 times a day, for 15- 20 minute intervals to help swelling or discomfort.
- Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, reading or listening to music.
- Perform simple stretches and gentle range of
motion (ROM) exercises. See our YouTube Video on gentle back exercises that may be started before physical therapy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB5G_o0DRIQ
Some pain is to be expected as you recover. The amount and intensity of pain you may experience varies by the extent of the surgery and your tolerance to pain medications. Some patients find significant pain relief right after surgery and may only need to take Tylenol/Acetaminophen, while other patients experience a fair amount of residual pain and soreness that persists and slowly improves over time. These patients may need to take prescription pain medications for a few weeks after surgery. Be sure to take your medications as instructed and understand that some medications are to be taken only as needed. Common side effects of narcotic pain medications include constipation, nausea, drowsiness and dizziness. It is important to wean off all narcotic pain medications and transition to Tylenol/Acetaminophen as soon as possible to prevent narcotic dependence. However, do not take narcotic pain medication and Tylenol/Acetaminophen together because the narcotic medication may already have Tylenol/Acetaminophen in it. Do not take more than 3,000 mg of Tylenol/Acetaminophen in one day. Also, do not drink alcohol or drive while you are taking pain medication. Lastly, do not take aspirin-like products or non-steroidal anti- inflammatories (NSAIDS, outlined on page 5) for 1 week after surgery, unless Dr. Kim instructs you to do otherwise.
Try to sit in firm chairs with armrests and good back support. When going from a sitting position to a standing position, keep your back straight, scoot to the edge of the chair, place your feet firmly on the ground and use the armrests to help push yourself up. It is important to maintain good posture and to move slowly. Avoid soft sofas and chairs with wheels.
To regain your strength and to speed up your recovery, short frequent walks are encouraged. Walking strengthens your back and leg muscles, increases your endurance and relieves stress. Instead of taking one long walk, you should take several short walks throughout the day, and gradually increase the distance and frequency of your walks. You should also develop a regular walking routine and make it a habit for the rest of your life in order to maintain a healthy spine. Make sure to utilize proper body mechanics and use your pain/discomfort as a guide for most activities. If you experience increased pain for more than two hours after an activity, you’ve done too much too soon. When you feel pain, slow down and pay more attention to your posture and movements.
Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds for 2 weeks after surgery (a gallon of milk weighs about 9 pounds). When lifting, use proper body mechanics, try to only lift objects that can be easily lifted with one hand, and do not lift above your elbows. Do not participate in sports or activities that require frequent or strenuous bending, twisting, pushing or pulling (such as gardening, mowing the lawn, etc.) for about 4-5 weeks after surgery. When bending, try to use your knees rather than your waist, but you should try to bend and twist gently to avoid stiffness. Also, try to avoid climbing full flights of stairs until you are steady on your feet, and have enough strength and balance to do so safely. You should have help going up and down the stairs for the first few attempts. Start with one step at a time and use the railings. Listen to your body and be mindful of your limits.
You may walk around without restriction, but be aware that your muscles are weaker after spine surgery and you may be more susceptible to falls. You should change positions throughout the day to help control pain, prevent blood clots and improve circulation. It is helpful to sit for a while, lie down for a while and take short walks periodically throughout the day. You should gradually increase your activity level and rest as needed. You should also perform gentle stretches and exercises on a consistent basis in order to increase flexibility, strengthen muscles and maintain an active lifestyle. Use common sense regarding activity. Do not push yourself to the point of fatigue or pain – moderation is the key.
You may sleep in any position you find comfortable. You should try sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees, or on your side with a pillow between your knees and a pillow behind your body slightly tucked under your back and hips. To maintain good posture, avoid using more than two pillows under your head and try to keep your back straight.
A healthy, well-balanced diet will help strengthen your immune system, give you energy, increase your tolerance to activity, and help your incision heal. Be sure to increase fluid intake to six, 8 oz. glasses of water each day, and eat fresh fruits and vegetables high in fiber. This will help the common constipation caused by pain medication and inactivity. You should also take the bowel medications that were prescribed at your pre-operative visit to stay ahead of the constipation or until you have your first bowel movement (then as needed).
Your motivation and participation in physical therapy are essential elements of your recovery; you must play an active role in every step of your rehabilitation. You will receive a prescription for physical therapy at your first pre-operative appointment with Dr. Kim. Outpatient physical therapy usually starts 1-2 weeks after surgery and continues for about 6 weeks. The goal is to establish and optimize an individualized home/gym exercise program that should be continued on a consistent basis, even after your formal physical therapy is completed. This program will focus on improving functional mobility, core strengthening, non-impact aerobic exercises, coordination and balance, proper body mechanics, and overall conditioning. As your physical therapy sessions draw to an end, the transition to your home/gym program should be seamless. Your dedication to physical therapy and exercise will set the pace for your recovery.
You may start a pool exercise program, go swimming, take baths and go in hot tubs around 6 weeks after your surgery. Please be sure to wait until your incision has completely healed before submerging it in water. If you are unsure, please email or text a picture of your incision to our office or Dr. Kim.
Around 3-4 weeks after surgery, you can begin chipping and putting. If chipping and putting are not painful, you may move to the driving range. Start with short-irons, move to mid-irons, and then to long-irons and clubs, as long as you are not experiencing pain at each level.
Most patients wait to resume intercourse for about 2 weeks. You should situate yourself in a position that supports and takes pressure off the lumbar region. You can achieve this by lying flat on your back, placing a small pillow or hand towel under your low back, and placing a pillow under your knees to make them slightly bent. The bottom or missionary position is usually the safest and most comfortable; however, use your pain and discomfort as a guide.
Driving will depend on the extent of your surgery and your recovery progress. Your pain must be managed so that you no longer need any narcotic pain medication, such as Percocet, Oxycodone, Vicodin, etc. These medications can affect your ability to drive. Generally, many patients can start driving after 1-2 weeks, but you should consult Dr. Kim. Try to limit initial driving to short, local distances.
You may shower with the dressing. The dressing should be removed 2-3 days after your surgery and you may continue to shower with the incision uncovered. Let the soapy water run over the incision freely, but afterwards, make sure to dab dry it with a towel. It is important that you do not submerge the incision site in water, including bathtubs, pools and hot tubs until the incision is completely closed (usually 6 weeks).
This will depend on the extent of your surgery, your recovery process and the specific requirements of your job. If you have a relatively sedentary job and can comfortably sit, you may resume working around 1-2 weeks after surgery. If your job is physically demanding, and you are able to perform controlled exercises and lift weights, you may return to work around 4-6 weeks after surgery; however, more time may be needed. Dr. Kim recommends returning to work on a part-time basis with limited duties before returning to full-time work without any restrictions. If you need to take time off work, please contact your employer for FMLA forms. For more information about FMLA, visit: www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/
You will follow-up with Dr. Kim or a Physician Assistant periodically throughout the next year to ensure that you are continuing to heal appropriately. Your first postop appointment will be 1-2 weeks after surgery. During this appointment, a provider will discuss your medication regimen, examine your incision, and assess your muscle and nerve function. You will likely receive a prescription to start physical therapy and you will schedule your future post-op appointments. Patients with active medical problems should schedule a follow-up appointment with their PCP about 4 weeks after surgery.
If you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent, severe or uncontrollable pain
- Weakness or numbness in your extremities
- Redness, drainage, or increased swelling from your incision
- Difficulty breathing, fever, or chills
- Problems controlling your bladder or bowel
- No bowel movement for 2-3 days
- Calf or lower leg swelling
1-2 WEEKS AFTER SURGERY
- Take several short walks and perform posture exercises throughout the day.
- Do not lift more than 10 pounds (a gallon of milk weighs about 9 pounds).
- Drink six, 8 oz. glasses of water day, and eat fresh fruits and vegetables high in fiber.
- Wean off of all narcotic pain medications and transition to Tylenol/Acetaminophen.
- If you are no longer taking any narcotic pain medication, you can start driving.
- Do not participate in sports or activities that require frequent or strenuous bending, twisting, pushing or pulling.
- Start physical therapy.
- You can resume intercourse, as tolerated.
- Limit initial car rides and flights to short distances (around 1 hour or less).
- If you have a relatively sedentary job, you can likely return to work.
3-4 WEEKS AFTER SURGERY
- Do not lift more than 15-20 pounds.
- You can perform light chores, such as cooking, dusting, sweeping or folding laundry.
- You can participate in non-contact sports and activities such as yoga, hiking or swimming.
- You can go on longer car rides and flights.
- If your job is physically demanding, you can likely return to work.
5-6 WEEKS AFTER SURGERY
- Do not lift more than 25-30 pounds.
- Gradually increase activities as tolerated by pain.
- You can perform household chores, such as gardening and mowing the lawn, as tolerated by pain.
- You can participate in more non-contact sports and activities such as running or tennis.
- You can start taking frequent or long distance flights.
3 MONTHS AFTER SURGERY
- You can participate in contact sports, ride a road bicycle, and go downhill skiing, snowmobiling, waterskiing, or horseback riding, as tolerated by pain.
 | Kevin H. Age: 29 years old Occupation: Firefighter Diagnosis: Left L5-S1 herniated disc Symptoms: Persistent low back pain and numbness of his thighs and legs. Procedure: Left L5-S1 Laser Endoscopic Spine Surgery (LESS)“I consulted with Dr. Choll Kim after injuring myself on duty. I had extreme low back pain and pain going down both my legs. After completing months of physical therapy, Dr. Kim suggested his Laser Endoscopic Spine Surgery. It has been 1 month since surgery and I feel amazing; my back pain is gone and the pain in my legs has significantly decreased. I am looking forward to being back to work as a Firefighter very soon. Dr. Kim was polite, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. I would strongly recommend that anyone with significant back pain visit him.” |
 | Sharon A. Age: 75 years old Occupation: Writer Diagnosis: Left L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1 stenosis Symptoms: Stabbing pain in the low back, buttocks, and left leg, and numbness in the foot and toes. Procedure: Left L3-4, L4-5, L5-S1 Laser Endoscopic Spine Surgery (LESS) “After researching a lot of different options, I decided Dr. Choll Kim was the best surgeon for my back and leg problems. He came with great reviews and was a teacher of the type of surgery I was about to try. I traveled to San Diego from the Seattle area for the surgery and after a few hours I was back in my hospital room a little drowsy but in no pain. The next morning, I had no pain and felt better than I had in years. It’s been four years now and I am active doing yoga, biking, walking and recently returned from a trip to Australia where I hiked and snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef. I had great confidence in Dr. Kim and his skills and wonderful attitude surpassed anything I could ask for in a physician.” |
 | Mark S. Age: 51 years old Occupation: Carpenter Diagnosis: Right L4-L5 bulging disc and L4-5, L5-S1 stenosis Symptoms: Right hip pain and numbness in the right ankle, right heel and right toes. Procedure: Right L4-5, L5-S1 Laser Endoscopic Spine Surgery (LESS) “I arrived to Dr. Kim’s office in severe pain due to an injury that made it difficult for me to walk without limping. Since my laser back surgery, I’m now walking without a limp and have no more pain in my lower back. I now feel like a new person. I would like to share with any of Dr. Kim’s patients who are considering this procedure that I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Kim and his ability to perform this surgery and recommend to any/all of his patients to make the choice and do the surgery! I want to thank Dr. Kim for performing the surgery and to tell him, he has CHANGED MY LIFE!” |
