how long does surgery usually last?

my surgeon told me 3 1/2 to 4 hrs. but ive seen that a lot of people have a longer surgery. whats the average?

[Sara_Jane19]

I'm not sure what the average is. It depends on what exactly they are doing. For example if they are doing a laminectomy or duroplastly (and which type of patch).

That being said, my surgery was just under 6 hours, but he ran into a complication (nothing serious don't worry!) so it took a littl longer than the usual. Good luck!

Sara

[ambyj]

they are removing part of my skull and removing my c1. also i was told that they are going to use a cadaver (sp?) patch? so i dont know if the 3 1/2-4 hrs was an estimate or if i should expect to be under longer

[selmaS]

  Hi...u should expect that it can be nething....there is no way to account for the unknown...my DH and I were told mine would be approx 4 hrs....it was a little over 7.....so, do not try to anticipate this as u can't.

Did they rule out EDS? The cadaver dura plasty patch is ok if u do not have EDS, but if u do, u may reject it causing leaks and set backs so do make sure.
  

Did u post ur surgery date on the surgery date thread? I was not aware u had a date?

[ambyj]

yes i did post my surgery date. march 13

[selmaS]

  Oh Ok...see what happens when I am offline for a day....I get lost...lol...

I got the date now....thanks : )

[czpdx]

I've had four surgeries and they ranged from 4 to 5 1/2 hours.
cz