Lying down for surgery

Question
QUESTION: Can you tell me how to address the need to lie flat for a bowel resection and having a disc bulge that presses on my nerves? Is there some way to have the surgeon address this? I can't lay on my back even for a little while, very painful. I don't want to wake up with another issue to deal with. I have to go back to work at a sit down job. Thanks

ANSWER: Lori,
The surgical team can put a pillow or a similar bolster behind your knees, which often helps with low back pain and disc problems.  Of course you know your back and your pain; if it does not sound like the pillow will be sufficient then you may want to speak to your back pain doctor.  There is unfortunately no way to do intestinal surgery except in what we call a supine position, which means laying on your back.

Best of luck,
Dr JP

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for the quick response. Can I just ask if putting something behind the knees makes the surgeon feel like you are not totally flat therefore restricting his access? I would think the less obstacles the better. It I just can't risk compressing that bulge further. Thanks

Answer
No problem Lori,
For most intestinal/abdominal procedures, a pillow or two behing the legs is no problem in terms of access.  This will be a good thing to ask your surgeon, and he/she will be important in making sure the desired pillow actually gets there.

Best,
Dr JP

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