Questions about spinal access, answered plainly.

A spinal access surgeon is the surgeon who creates the operative pathway to the front of the lumbar spine. The access surgeon works around abdominal and pelvic structures, including major blood vessels, so the spine surgeon can perform the planned spinal procedure.

The two surgeons have distinct responsibilities. The spine surgeon diagnoses the spinal condition and performs the fusion, disc, instrumentation, or other spinal work. The access surgeon performs the approach, protects the structures in front of the spine, maintains exposure, and closes the approach.

No. Dr. Skubic serves as the access surgeon and works alongside your spine surgeon as a co-surgeon. Your spine surgeon remains responsible for the spinal diagnosis and spine-specific treatment plan.

For selected patients, an anterior approach provides direct access to the vertebral bodies and discs without passing through the muscles beside the spine. Whether this approach is appropriate depends on your condition, anatomy, prior operations, and the goals of surgery.

Prior abdominal or pelvic surgery does not automatically exclude an anterior approach, but it can create scar tissue or alter anatomy. The type of operation, location of scars or mesh, and available imaging should be reviewed before a final plan is made.

Most referrals begin with the spine surgeon recommending an anterior lumbar procedure. The spine surgeon’s office then coordinates records, scheduling, and hospital arrangements with South Texas Access Surgeons.

The access-surgery team reviews your medical history, prior abdominal and pelvic procedures, relevant imaging, medications, and other factors that could affect the approach. You will also have the opportunity to discuss the access surgeon’s role and procedure-specific risks.

Surgery is hospital-based. The location is coordinated by the treating surgeons based on the planned procedure, clinical needs, scheduling, and current hospital privileges. Current regional coverage includes DHR Health Edinburg and DHR Health Brownsville.

Follow the discharge instructions provided by your surgical team. For urgent or rapidly worsening symptoms, contact the surgeon listed in those instructions or seek emergency care. Do not use a website for an emergency.