What can I do to prepare for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty?

Usually you need to:

1. Stop anti-inflammatories, aspirin, ibuprofen, plavix, warfarin 1 week before surgery.  It is important to stop these medicines because they can cause excess bleeding during surgery.  Unfortunately, they are important to prevent heart attacks and strokes so please check with your primary care doctor or cardiologist before discontinuing these medicines.

2. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

3. Arrange for a ride to and from the surgery center or hospital and for someone to stay with you afterwards.

For more information on vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty please click Kyphoplasty.  Good Luck!