How Bloodless Spine Surgery Helped Yvonne Reclaim Her Life

Yvonne Robbins had plenty of experience with neck pain. 

“In 2011, I had spinal fusion surgery at my local hospital because I was having terrible numbness and tingling in my hands, daily pain in my neck, and headaches,” she says. “I’d tried other treatments for around three years, but they hadn’t worked.” 

Unfortunately, the surgery wasn’t effective. By 2020, she was in pain again, and it was getting worse. Yvonne, an insurance agent and mother of five, needed a new solution—and a new expert on her side. She thought of Englewood Hospital, where she’d gone for imaging in the past. 

“I was aware of The Bloodless Institute at Englewood Health, and I knew a lot about Englewood Hospital,” Yvonne says. “I wanted someone who was educated about bloodless care and would respect my wishes.” 

Overcoming Hesitation 

In early 2023, Yvonne met with Kevin Yao, MD, chief of neurosurgery at Englewood Hospital. It became clear to Dr. Yao that Yvonne’s cervical spine, which includes the part of the spine located in the neck, was extremely degenerated (worn down) and mechanically unstable. 

“Imaging showed Yvonne’s spine had extensive degenerative disease and had not healed properly from her earlier surgery,” Dr. Yao says. “We discussed revising the prior surgery, but she wasn’t ready to move forward.” 

From the start, Yvonne appreciated Dr. Yao’s expertise and kindness. By her own admission, though, she was terrified at the idea of having surgery, especially following a 2022 heart attack. So, she waited. 

In the meantime, her neck pain intensified, causing muscle spasms and radiating into her shoulders and arms. 

“I was never out of pain,” Yvonne says. “A good day for me was a pain level of four out of ten. When it got to nine or ten, I had to go to the emergency room. I was missing work and using up my paid time off.” 

By early 2025, Yvonne decided that enough was enough. She told Dr. Yao she was ready to have surgery. 

Shoring Up the Spine 

After receiving clearance from her primary care provider, as well as her Englewood Health cardiologist Nate Lebowitz, MD, Yvonne was all set for surgery. 

“Her surgery was a complex, multi-stage procedure that involved reconstruction of the spine in her neck,” Dr. Yao says. “Success required careful planning and an experienced surgical team that could work efficiently. Our team’s skill allowed us to perform the surgery in a streamlined manner, minimizing operative time and blood loss.” 

Dr. Yao and his partner, spine surgeon Jacob Goldberg, MD, performed the surgery. 

“The first stage of surgery involved making a small incision in the front of Yvonne’s neck, after which we used a surgical microscope and microinstruments to remove degenerated discs from the cervical spine, thereby decompressing the spinal cord and nerves,” Dr. Yao says. 

“Next, we performed a fusion of the vertebrae with metal implants. After closing the incision in the front of the neck, we performed the second stage of the surgery, also a fusion, through the back of the neck. We placed additional metal implants, screws, and rods to provide added strength and stability to Yvonne’s spine.” 

Happiness That Shows 

After three nights in the hospital, Yvonne continued her recovery at home. Six weeks later, she started outpatient physical therapy, which continues to help her improve her strength and mobility. She says she’s“doing tremendously well,” with much of her previous pain gone. 

“My friends can tell the difference in my disposition because I’m not in pain all the time,” Yvonne says. “I’m happier and enjoying life’s moments more.” 

Published November 2025