My father is scheduled to have a spinal fusion operation next week. He seems to be in fairly good health, but we are concerned that this could end up a disaster. We’ve seen so many other older adults have some type of surgery and never fully recover to their former selves. We’d hate to see that with Dad. How can we even evaluate something like this?

Surgeons want the best for their patients. And they pride themselves on obtaining the best results for each patient no matter what kind of surgery is being done. Having said that, they also are very careful in what is referred to as patient selection to assure those good results.

Studies are done that show which patients have the best results for each type of surgery being done. This kind of information helps surgeons with patient selection that will lead to the most excellent results.

Risk factors such as age, general health, and past medical history are reviewed. The presence of other serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes is always a consideration in patient selection. If the patient is at risk, the surgeon may not even suggest surgery as an option. If the patient is particularly interested in a surgical approach to his or her problem, then the surgeon will review any concerns or precautions to be considered.

Studies show that patients in good health having spinal fusion have low rates of complications such as infection, blood loss, or poor fusion rates. Selecting healthy patients for spinal fusion who can benefit from pain relief and reduced disability is the goal. The mortality (death) rate is very low for the average healthy adult having spinal fusion.