If you’re considering having a follow-up surgery to address failed back surgery syndrome, it means you’re familiar with the issues and concerns that can come with this decision. Just like with your original surgery, you should be as informed and confident as possible before you agree to have another spine procedure performed. The following questions should be asked of any prospective surgeon to help you in your decision-making process.

1. Why should I consider having another operation to address failed back surgery syndrome?

If the first surgery wasn’t able to relieve your pain, it can be tough to understand why surgery might be suggested again. In fact, before undergoing another surgery, patients are often encouraged to try conservative options to relieve any symptoms related to failed back surgery syndrome. But like the original cause for surgery, these methods don’t always provide relief from symptoms. In this case, another surgery may provide the best opportunity for relief from their symptoms.

2. What surgical options are available and are there different approaches that might help?

If your physician has suggested a secondary surgery to treat your failed back surgery syndrome, be sure to ask which procedure they recommend and if there is a minimally invasive option that should also be considered. Minimally invasive spine surgery uses a smaller incision and muscle-sparing techniques, addressing many of risks for complication that lead to failed back surgery syndrome.

3. What kind of an outcome can I expect and what types of risks are involved?

The predicted outcome of a surgery depends on many factors, primarily the type of surgery involved, the cause of failed back surgery syndrome and your overall health. For this reason it’s essential to ask for an idea of what you personally can expect for your prognosis. You may want to ask about expected recovery times, your prospect for potential resolution of symptoms and other predictions following your surgery.

Minimally invasive spine surgery at USA Spine Care

USA Spine Care is the leader in minimally invasive spine surgery and our procedures can treat failed back surgery syndrome on an outpatient basis, with less risk of complication and a shorter recovery time compared to traditional open neck or back surgery.

Learn more and ask for your no-cost MRI or CT scan review* to determine if you may be a potential candidate for one of our procedures.