Awake Lumbar Fusion

Abstract

Lumbar fusions can be performed under general anesthesia or as an awake procedure under spinal anesthesia. There is no consensus on the benefits of awake lumbar fusion. Improved patient satisfaction, less blood loss, stable hemodynamics, less postoperative pain, less postoperative nausea and vomiting, and less postoperative delirium are all possible benefits of awake lumbar fusion. Early, limited research confirms these benefits.