PATIENT INFORMATION

 Be prepared to make the most of your visit! Here’s what you need to bring and expect:

 Medical Records & Imaging – Bring any MRIs, CT scans, or X-rays related to your condition.

Insurance & ID – Have your documents ready for a smooth check-in.

Medication List – Bring a list of all current medications & supplements.

 List of Symptoms & Questions – Write down your pain levels, numbness, weakness, or other issues.

Family or Friend for Support – A second set of ears helps!

Implanted Device Card(s) - Pacemaker, Spinal Cord Stimulator, Bladder Stimulator, Pain Pump

Bonus Tip: Arrive a little early to complete paperwork & ease into your visit.

Your neurosurgeon is here to help—let’s get you on the path to relief!

General Surgery Instructions

Surgeon: Dr. Gautam Gandhi, MD, PhD

Follow-Up Appointment: Typically scheduled ~2 weeks post-op at Little Rock, Conway, or Hot Springs

A staff member from the surgery facility will call you the day before surgery with your

exact arrival time.

Surgery Locations

Baptist Health Medical Center – Conway

11555 Exchange Ave, Conway, AR 72032

(501) 585-2000

Dave Ward Surgery Center

2425 Dave Ward Dr, Suite 304, Conway, AR 72034

(501) 764-4373

Pre-Surgery Checklist

Watch Your Surgery Video

Visit www.pinnaclespine.com for educational videos about your procedure.

Pre-Op Testing

If you did not complete these tests on the day your surgery was scheduled, please ensure they are done prior to surgery.

Recommended Facilities

Baptist Conway – 1555 Exchange Ave, Conway, AR

Baptist Little Rock – 9601 Baptist Health Dr, Little Rock, AR

Baptist Urgent Care Hot Springs – 3426 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR

Medical Clearance

We will fax clearance requests to your physician(s) shortly after you are scheduled for surgery.

You may be contacted to assist in obtaining clearance letters to ensure we receive them in time.

All clearances must be received prior to surgery to avoid delays or rescheduling.

Paperwork

If you are submitting Short-Term Disability or FMLA paperwork:

Complete all patient sections, including personal info, employer details,

requested leave dates, and signatures.

Incomplete forms may delay processing and be returned for correction.

We do not complete Long-Term Disability  or Social Security Disability paperwork.

Fax completed forms to (501) 232-3409. Please allow 5–7 business days for

processing.

7–10 Days Before Surgery

STOP the following unless otherwise instructed:

Blood Thinners

Coumadin, Xarelto, Plavix, Eliquis, Effient, Aggrenox, etc.

Anti-Inflammatories

Advil, Aleve, Naproxen, Meloxicam (Mobic), Celebrex, Excedrin, Motrin, etc.

GLP-1 Inhibitors

(Ozempic, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Victoza, etc.)

Weekly dosing: Stop 7 days before surgery

Daily dosing: Do not take the day before surgery or the day of surgery

Other Medications to Stop Before Surgery

Viagra or Cialis – Stop 2 days before surgery (may interfere with anesthesia)

Night Before Surgery

No food, drinks, smoking, or gum after midnight

Take only approved medications with a small sip of water

Day of Surgery

Arrive at the time given by the surgery center. Bring:

A list of current medications and how often you take them

A list of any medication allergies

Notify us of latex or iodine allergies

A responsible adult to drive you home

Failure to follow these instructions may result in surgery cancellation.

After Surgery

Incision Care

You may remove the dressing unless instructed otherwise

Wash hands before touching your incision

Shower 48 hours post-op unless instructed otherwise

Let water run over the incision—do not scrub

Do not soak in tubs or pools until the incision is fully healed

No ointments, creams, or ice/heating pads directly on the incision

Monitor for infection signs

Fever ≥ 101°F

Redness, warmth, or swelling around incision

Drainage that is white, yellow, foul-smelling, or purulent

Activity

No driving for 2 weeks or while taking narcotics/muscle relaxants

No lifting & 10 lbs

SI joint fusion: remain non-weight bearing for 1 week

Light walking encouraged; avoid bending, twisting, or heavy chores

Wear your neck brace as directed if one is prescribed

Return to work only when cleared

Resume sexual activity when comfortable (typically 2–4 weeks)

Avoid for the first 24 hours or while on narcotics:

Alcohol

Driving or machinery

Major decisions or signing documents

Being home or caring for children alone

Pain & Medications

Take prescriptions as directed

Tylenol may be taken in between doses (max 4,000 mg/day total)

Avoid NSAIDs for 3 months after fusion surgeries

You may receive Naloxone (Narcan)  with your prescription as required by

Arkansas law

Diet

Start with clear liquids; slowly reintroduce soft foods

Recommended: soups, smoothies, yogurt, soft fruits, cooked vegetables

Avoid hard, chewy foods for 1–3 days

Chew thoroughly to reduce risk of swallowing difficulties

What to Expect vs. When to Call

Normal:

Mild soreness or redness

Pink/straw-colored drainage

Sore throat or swallowing discomfort

Neck or shoulder soreness

Call Us If:

Fever ≥ 101°F

Severe pain or new weakness

Inability to urinate

Excessive or purulent drainage

Any other concerning symptoms

Contact Info

Clinic Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

(501) 234-0600

(501) 232-3409

After-Hours Emergency Line: (501) 241-6654

Bone Growth Stimulator (Fusion Surgery Patient Only)

You may receive a follow-up call regarding a bone growth stimulator if your surgery

qualifies. This device can promote bone healing and may be covered by insurance. The representative will review your coverage and delivery details.

Thank you for following these guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe surgical

experience.

We look forward to caring for you!