Awake Spine Surgery Book — Dr. Alok Sharan, Co-Editor

Dr. Alok Sharan, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and pioneer of awake spinal fusion in the United States, is proud to announce his role as co-editor of Awake Spine Surgery — the definitive clinical textbook on conscious-sedation spine procedures, published by Thieme Medical Publishers. This landmark book brings together the world’s leading experts to document a safer, less invasive approach to spine surgery that Dr. Sharan has championed at his Edison, NJ practice.

About the Book

Awake Spine Surgery presents the philosophy and practice of minimizing the surgical footprint on patients — going beyond simply avoiding general anesthesia. Organized into three comprehensive parts covering preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations, the book spans 22 chapters and addresses the full spectrum of modern awake spine techniques.

Whether you are a patient researching your options or a clinician exploring the latest evidence, this text offers an authoritative, practical guide to a growing field that is transforming outcomes for spine patients nationwide.

What’s Inside the Book

• Preoperative planning — patient selection, anesthesia protocols, and risk stratification
• Minimally invasive techniques — endoscopic approaches, robotic-assisted surgery, and next-generation TLIFs
• Lateral spine surgery — awake lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and its advantages
• Real-time neurological monitoring — how awake patients provide immediate feedback during procedures
• Postoperative care — reduced opioid use, faster recovery, and same-day discharge protocols
• Clinical pearls and case studies — practical tools drawn from the editors’ combined surgical experience
• Procedural videos — demonstrating diverse awake techniques across spinal levels

Why Awake Spine Surgery Matters for Patients

Traditional spine surgery under general anesthesia carries risks including prolonged recovery, opioid dependence, and anesthesia-related complications. The awake approach — pioneered in the United States by surgeons like Dr. Sharan — replaces general anesthesia with regional or local anesthesia and conscious sedation. The result:

• No general anesthesia — reduced systemic risk, especially for older or medically complex patients
• Faster recovery — many patients go home the same day
• Fewer opioids — less post-operative pain medication required
• Real-time safety feedback — patients can communicate during surgery, enhancing neurological safety
• Lower complication rates — minimally invasive techniques mean less tissue disruption

If you have been told you need spinal fusion surgery or are dealing with conditions like sciatica, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis, the awake approach may be right for you. Contact our office to discuss your options.

About Dr. Alok Sharan — Co-Editor

Dr. Alok Sharan is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with over 20 years of experience and a Master of Health Care Delivery Science (MHCDS) from the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy. Recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and rated 5 stars by more than 162 patients on Google, Dr. Sharan is widely regarded as a pioneer of awake spinal fusion surgery in the United States.

His contributions to this textbook reflect his commitment not only to advancing surgical technique, but to educating the next generation of spine surgeons on safer, patient-centered approaches to care. His practice, The Spine and Performance Institute, is located at 35-37 Progress St, Suite B5, Edison, NJ 08820.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book written for patients or doctors?

The textbook is written primarily for spine surgeons, fellows, and medical professionals. However, patients who want to understand the science behind awake spine surgery will find the book informative. For a patient-friendly overview of the procedure itself, visit our Awake Spinal Fusion page.

Where can I buy Awake Spine Surgery?

The book is available in hardcover and digital formats through Amazon and Thieme Medical Publishers. ISBN: 978-1-68420-673-5.

Does Dr. Sharan perform awake spine surgery at his Edison, NJ practice?

Yes. Dr. Sharan performs awake spinal fusion and a full range of minimally invasive spine procedures at The Spine and Performance Institute in Edison, NJ, serving patients from across Middlesex County, Union County, and surrounding areas of New Jersey. Call (732) 898-3950 to schedule a consultation.

What conditions can be treated with awake spine surgery?

Awake techniques can be applied to a wide range of spinal conditions including spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and sciatica. Dr. Sharan will evaluate your specific anatomy and medical history to determine whether you are a candidate.