What to Expect at NewYork-Presbyterian

Dr. Zeeshan Sardar, MD, MSc, F.R.C.S.C
Director Quality & Patient Safety (QPS) – Och Spine Hospital
Medical Director, Spine Unit – Och Spine Hospital
Co-Chief of Spinal Deformity Surgery • NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University
Och Spine Hospital • New York, NY

Preparing for spine surgery is easier when you know what to expect. This guide walks through the typical patient journey at the Och Spine Hospital at NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University, from your pre-operative visit through recovery at home. Every patient’s path is a little different, and Dr. Sardar and his team will walk you through the specifics that apply to your procedure at your consultation.

---

BEFORE YOUR SURGERY

The Pre-Operative Visit

Before surgery is scheduled, you will have a detailed consultation with Dr. Sardar to review your imaging, discuss the planned procedure, and go over the risks, benefits, and expected recovery in plain language. This is the time to ask every question on your mind — nothing about the plan should feel unclear by the time you leave.

Pre-Surgical Testing & Optimization

Depending on the complexity of your procedure and your overall health, you may need pre-operative bloodwork, cardiac clearance, bone density testing, or medical optimization of conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes, or anemia before surgery. For major reconstructive procedures, this optimization period can meaningfully improve safety and outcomes, so Dr. Sardar’s team builds it into the surgical timeline rather than treating it as an afterthought.

---

THE DAY OF SURGERY

Arrival & Check-In

You will typically arrive at the hospital a few hours before your scheduled procedure time for check-in, final paperwork, and pre-operative preparation. Anesthesia will meet with you to review your medical history and answer any last questions before you go to the operating room.

In the Operating Room

For complex or instrumented procedures, the operating room team includes Dr. Sardar, anesthesiology, a dedicated neuromonitoring team where appropriate, and specialized nursing staff. Robotic-assisted navigation and intraoperative imaging are used as needed to verify implant placement before the case concludes.

Recovery Room (PACU)

After surgery, you will spend time in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) as you wake up and your vital signs are monitored closely. Once you are stable, you will be transferred to your hospital room.

---

YOUR HOSPITAL STAY AT OCH SPINE HOSPITAL

Length of stay depends on the complexity of your procedure — ranging from same-day discharge for some minimally invasive procedures to several days for major deformity reconstruction. Most patients are mobilized with the help of physical therapy the day after surgery, which is one of the most important steps in recovery. Pain is managed with a multimodal approach designed to keep you comfortable while minimizing opioid use where possible. Dr. Sardar and his team round daily to track your progress and address any concerns directly.

---

DISCHARGE & RECOVERY AT HOME

Before you leave the hospital, you will receive clear instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, medication management, and any bracing requirements. Most patients continue physical therapy after discharge, either at home or outpatient, to support strength and mobility as they heal. Dr. Sardar’s team remains available after discharge and schedules follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and confirm that healing is progressing as expected.

---

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long will I be in the hospital?

It depends entirely on the procedure. Some minimally invasive surgeries are outpatient or overnight, while major deformity reconstruction typically involves a stay of several days. Dr. Sardar will give you a specific estimate for your procedure during your consultation.

Can a family member stay with me in the hospital?

Visitor and overnight stay policies are set by the hospital and can vary by unit and circumstance. Our team can let you know the current policy for your specific stay when your surgery is scheduled.

Will I need physical therapy after surgery?

Most patients begin physical therapy in the hospital the day after surgery and continue it after discharge, either at home or in an outpatient setting. The extent and duration depend on the procedure performed.

What if I live out of state or internationally?

Many of Dr. Sardar’s patients travel from out of state or abroad. Telemedicine consultations can handle much of the pre-operative planning remotely, and our team can help coordinate logistics around your trip for surgery and the immediate recovery period.

---

WHY CHOOSE DR. SARDAR

As Director of Quality & Patient Safety and Medical Director of the Spine Unit at the Och Spine Hospital, Dr. Sardar has a direct hand in shaping the systems and protocols that guide the patient experience at every stage — not just in the operating room.

As Co-Chief of Spinal Deformity Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian / Columbia University, he leads one of the highest-volume spinal deformity programs in the country, with the academic infrastructure — intraoperative neuromonitoring, advanced imaging, and critical care — that complex spine surgery requires.

Patients travel from across the United States and internationally for care. Telemedicine consultations are available for patients in NY, NJ, CT, FL, PA, MO, CA, and TX. International patients can contact NewYork-Presbyterian Global Services at +1-212-746-9100.

This page is for general educational purposes and describes a typical patient experience; it does not constitute individualized medical advice, and specific protocols may vary by procedure. Please discuss what to expect for your particular surgery with Dr. Sardar’s team.

---

REQUEST A CONSULTATION

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sardar, call 212-932-5187 or use the contact form below.