01 · After the indication is established
Understand what the operation aims to achieve.
Before deciding, discuss with your neurosurgeon which problem the operation is intended to treat, which benefits are realistic for you and the limitations of treatment. Ask for explanations of any unfamiliar terms.
Benefits, risks and alternatives
The discussion includes the risks of surgery and anaesthesia, alternatives, and the consequences of delaying or not having treatment. Informed consent means you have the opportunity to ask questions and understand the recommendation.
Useful questions for the medical team
- What is the aim of surgery and which symptoms might improve?
- Which risks are relevant to me and my other health conditions?
- What alternatives are available and what could happen if I postpone surgery?
- What will recovery involve and what support will I need at home?
The plan is individual. Investigations, the length of hospital stay and the pace of recovery depend on the procedure and your health.
Reference: Patients' rights — Spitalul Sf. Constantin (PDF).
What I would like to clarify before deciding
02 · Preoperative preparation
Preparation is tailored to the case.
Preoperative assessment identifies health problems that may affect surgery and the care required. Investigations are chosen according to the procedure, anaesthetic and clinical situation; there is no universal list of tests suitable for everyone.
Anaesthetic assessment
Prepare records of known conditions, a list of allergies and information about previous anaesthetics. Tell the team about any difficulties or unusual reactions. The anaesthetist determines which assessments are needed and discusses the anaesthetic plan.
Medicines and individual instructions
Bring a complete list of medicines, doses and supplements. Do not stop, change or restart treatment on your own. Ask for written instructions about medicines on the day of surgery and when you may eat or drink before anaesthesia.
Tell the team about any new health problems before admission. If a recommendation is unclear, contact the hospital before following it.
References: NHS — preparing for surgery; Guy’s and St Thomas’ — preparing for anaesthesia.
Instructions from your team
03 · Hospital admission
Confirm the arrangements before travelling.
Confirm the date, time, exact location and arrival point with the hospital team. When booking, ask which documents you need and about fees or reimbursement arrangements.
Documents and formalities
The hospital's official page includes admission requirements: administrative documents, recommended investigations, pre-anaesthetic assessment and required consent forms. Confirm current requirements for your case with reception; the general document does not replace individual instructions.
Prepare relevant investigations and reports, records of previous operations and your treatment list. Clarify who may receive medical information with your consent.
Room, accompanying person, meals and visits
Before admission, confirm the available room type, arrangements for an accompanying person and visits, meals and any dietary needs. Details are agreed for your admission under the institution's rules.
Administrative contact: 0268 300 300. This number and the appointment form do not replace emergency services.
Reference: Spitalul Sf. Constantin — useful information and admission requirements.
Confirmed arrival time, location and details
04 · The day of surgery
From preparation to monitoring.
Follow the team's instructions on food, fluids and medicines. If you could not follow an instruction or your health has changed, tell the staff before the procedure.
Before surgery
The team checks your identity, the planned procedure, allergies and documents. Confirm that you understand the operation and anaesthetic, and ask any remaining questions before signing the consent form.
Anaesthesia and surgery
The type of anaesthetic and surgical technique are discussed for your case. Operating time varies; an estimate given beforehand is not a guaranteed duration.
After surgery
Postoperative care includes monitoring your general and neurological condition and treating symptoms. The location and duration of monitoring depend on your medical needs. Tell the staff about pain, nausea or new symptoms.
Ask for an explanation of how the operation went and the next steps. Information is shared with family with the patient's consent and under the hospital's rules.
References: NHS — the day of surgery; NHS — after surgery.
What I would like to ask after surgery
05 · Discharge and recovery
A clear plan for home.
Discharge is decided by the treating doctor. Before leaving, request your medical documents and written recommendations, and check that you understand them.
What to clarify before discharge
- Which treatment to follow and how to restart your usual medicines.
- How to care for the wound and when a check-up or suture removal is needed.
- How to move safely and what limits apply to exercise, driving and work.
- When and where to attend follow-up, and which investigations are needed.
- Whom to contact if problems arise and what help you will need at home.
Resume activities according to the advice you receive. Wound care and recovery depend on the procedure; do not substitute general timeframes for your individual plan.
When to seek help
Contact the team promptly about wound changes, discharge, or new or worsening symptoms. New weakness or changes in bladder or bowel control after spinal surgery require urgent medical assessment. In an emergency, call 112; do not wait for an email or form response.
References: Spitalul Sf. Constantin — discharge (PDF); NHS — recovery; NHS — lumbar surgery.