For patients: from consultation to surgery

What to prepare for a consultation

• A brief symptom history: where it hurts, for how long, what prevents you from walking, working or sleeping, and whether there is numbness or weakness.
• Existing images and reports. MRI/CT studies require complete DICOM series. For scoliosis, include existing standing whole-spine X-rays in frontal and lateral views and previous dated images.
• Information about previous treatment. Reports, discharge summaries and details of injections and operations. After fixation, include existing documents about the implanted construct.
• A medication list and important health information: regular medicines, allergies, coexisting conditions and previous experience with anaesthesia.

You do not need to arrange a new MRI yourself before your first enquiry. Start with the materials you already have. We clarify the need for additional investigations when assessing your situation.

Step-by-step instructions: preparing and sending CT/MRI studies in DICOM format

What happens at consultation?

We discuss symptoms and previous treatment, review the images and compare them with examination findings. I explain which problem needs to be addressed and which treatment options should be considered.

If surgery is indicated, we discuss its aim, approach and extent: for example, disc removal, stenosis decompression or a combination with stabilization. You can ask about expected changes, alternatives, risks and recovery.

Online review helps prepare for this discussion. The final surgical plan is agreed after consultation and the necessary examination.

Operations and treatment methods · Clinical cases from my practice

The surgical plan, date and cost

Once the extent of surgery is determined, we agree on practical arrangements. Before admission, you should know:

1. What is planned: the operation name, surgical levels and implants needed.
2. Where treatment will take place: the clinic, date, time and arrival location.
3. What budget is needed: a personal estimate, included services and possible separate charges.
4. How to prepare: the list of investigations and the team's recommendations.

The in-person consultation address and location of a particular operation may differ. Confirm the admission address with the administrator before travelling.

Cost of spine surgery: starting prices and what the estimate includes

How to prepare for surgery

After agreeing on treatment, you receive a personal list of preoperative investigations. It depends on the operation, anaesthesia and your health. The team also explains what to bring to the clinic and how to organize arrival.^[1]

• Provide information about medicines and allergies. Also list any vitamins and supplements you take.
• Agree on medication use. The doctor determines changes to your regimen before surgery; do not change it on your own.
• Receive eating and drinking instructions. The team provides specific instructions before anaesthesia.
• Report changes in how you feel. If you become ill or develop new symptoms before admission, contact the team.

Anaesthetist: preparing for the procedure

The day of admission and surgery

Arrive at the agreed address and at the time specified by the team. Prepare documents and investigation results from the list provided, existing images, discharge summaries and an up-to-date medication list.

Before surgery, the surgeon and anaesthetist clarify important details. Use this conversation to ask remaining questions about surgical stages, anaesthesia, the stay and the subsequent plan.

If a relative or friend is coming with you, clarify the particular clinic's accompanying-person and visiting rules in advance.

After surgery: from observation to discharge

After treatment, the team monitors your condition and helps you begin activity according to the plan. Length of stay and readiness for discharge are determined by the surgery performed and how you feel.

Before going home, discuss:

• medication and wound care instructions;
• permitted activity and restrictions for the immediate period;
• the next follow-up examination and investigations needed;
• whom to message or call with questions.

Return to work, driving and physical activity is agreed for your particular operation. Keep the discharge summary and recommendations for follow-up care.

If you are travelling from another city or country

Start with an online review of existing materials. This helps prepare your enquiry and identify which questions need to be resolved during an in-person consultation.

Before buying tickets, agree on the date, consultation or admission address and necessary preparation. Separately discuss the expected stay, need for an accompanying person and journey home.

The professor's in-person appointments: Kyiv, 27 Bulvarno-Kudriavska Street, Room 702, 7th floor. Appointments must be booked in advance. Confirm the location of your particular operation separately.

Contacts, consultation address and map

Questions before enquiring

Can I book a consultation directly without an online review?

Yes. Call the administrator and arrange an appointment. Online review is a convenient additional way to begin discussion, particularly if you live far away.

What exactly is free?

Preliminary review of existing investigations you send. The format and fee for an in-person consultation are clarified when booking, and treatment arrangements after agreement on the plan.

Does a consultation necessarily lead to surgery?

The plan depends on your situation and indications. If surgery is needed, I will explain its aims and the proposed method. If there are no indications, we will discuss the next steps.

Whom should I contact about practical and medical questions?

Coordinate booking, the address, date and arrival arrangements with Olena Ihorivna. Discuss medical questions and investigations with the professor and the team's doctors.