What to avoid before scoliosis surgery

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There are certain preparatory steps that must be followed prior to having surgery. Learn about some things to avoid leading up to an operation for scoliosis.

Key points

  • You will need to stop using hormone-based birth control at least one month before the surgery to decrease your risk of a blood clot.
  • You will need to stop smoking cigarettes and avoid second-hand smoke for up to one year after your surgery to help the bones in your spinal column to heal properly.
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs prior to your surgery, as they can react badly with anaesthetic and other medication you are given while in hospital.
  • Your surgery may be cancelled if you are sick, so try to avoid infections and contagious illnesses before surgery.
  • If you are easily constipated, you may want to take a laxative or some fibre two days before surgery to ensure that your bowels are empty.

It is important that your body be free of certain substances for surgery to proceed effectively.

Birth control

If you are using hormone-based birth control, you will need to stop at least one month before the surgery. Examples of hormone-based birth control include The Pill, The Patch, a contraceptive ring, or contraceptive injections. Using these forms of birth control will increase your risk of a blood clot during and after the surgery. If you are sexually active, you will need to use a back-up method.

You can start taking or using your hormone-based birth control after your first complete menstrual cycle following your discharge from the hospital after surgery.

Smoking and second-hand smoke

You will need to stop smoking cigarettes and avoid second-hand smoke for up to one year after your surgery. Smoking may keep the bones in your spinal column from healing properly. It can prevent your spine from healing in a straight position. You may even need more surgery.

For more information on quitting, go to www.lung.ca/commit-to-quit, a site produced by the Canadian Lung Association.

Alcohol and recreational drugs

Some teens may want to use alcohol or recreational drugs to reduce stress and anxiety in the days leading up to the surgery. This is not a good idea. Alcohol and drugs can react badly with your anaesthetic and other medication you are given while in hospital.

For more information on alcohol use, go to: https://medlineplus.gov/underagedrinking.html.

For more information on drug use, go to: https://medlineplus.gov/druguseandaddiction.html.

Both are websites produced by The National Institutes of Health.

Infections

Try to avoid any type of infection before surgery. For example, don’t get any body piercings or tattoos just prior to surgery. Also, try to avoid being around anyone who is sick with something contagious like the flu. If you are sick or have an infection on the day of surgery, your surgery may need to be cancelled.

Constipation

If you are easily constipated, you may want to take a laxative or some fibre two days before surgery. This will ensure that your bowel will be empty when you go in for surgery.

Last updated: June 1st 2008