Patient FAQ

What should I expect after surgery?

Prodisc-L total disc replacement surgery is considered major surgery.  As with any major surgery, you should expect some discomfort as well as a period of rehabilitation. Your doctor may prescribe medicines to help you manage any pain or nausea you may experience. You should expect to stay in hospital for a few days. The average hospital stay for patients undergoing disc replacement surgery in the study for the Prodisc-L was about 3.5 days (range: 1.0 – 8.0 days). Prior to going home, you will be taught how to care for your incision and you and your doctor should discuss a plan to gradually bring you back to normal activity.  It is very important that you follow your surgeon’s instructions.  Try not to do too much, too soon.

Contact your doctor immediately if you:

–	have a fever
–	notice fluid draining from your incision
–	have trouble swallowing or breathing
–	have trouble urinating
–	have new or increased back or leg pain or numbness or weakness

Is the Prodisc surgery covered by insurance?

Total disc replacement is a new therapy. In some countries, total disc replacement is covered by the medical insurance systems like DRG. In other countries, some payers have recognized the value of this therapy, while others are not familiar with total disc replacement and may not have a routine procedure for covering the surgery. Patients should ask their physician if the treatment is covered or request preauthorization from the insurance company before surgery.