A Landmark Textbook on Awake Spinal Fusion
Awake Spine Surgery — published by Thieme Medical Publishers — is the definitive medical textbook on performing awake spinal fusion and minimally invasive spine procedures under regional anesthesia. Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS, serves as co-editor of this awake spine surgery book, bringing together decades of clinical expertise and over 100 peer-reviewed publications to guide spine surgeons worldwide. The book covers patient selection, surgical technique, anesthesia protocols, and outcomes — making it the essential reference for surgeons looking to offer patients a safer, faster-recovery alternative to traditional spine surgery under general anesthesia.
What This Textbook Covers
Regional anesthesia protocols for spine surgery
Patient selection criteria for awake procedures
Lumbar fusion and decompression techniques
Minimally invasive surgical approaches
Intraoperative neuromonitoring and patient safety
Outcomes data: awake vs. general anesthesia surgery
Perioperative pain management without opioids
Why This Book Matters
For decades, standard spine surgery required patients to undergo general anesthesia — carrying risks of cognitive complications, prolonged nausea, increased blood loss, and extended recovery. Dr. Sharan and his co-editors recognized that regional anesthesia offered a dramatically safer and more patient-friendly path. Awake Spine Surgery is the first comprehensive textbook to codify this approach, providing spine surgeons with the evidence base, technique details, and clinical protocols needed to perform the full spectrum of spine procedures while patients remain awake and comfortable.
The awake approach described in this textbook is the same technique Dr. Sharan performs daily at his Edison, NJ practice — offering patients across New Jersey and New York access to a surgeon who literally co-authored the definitive guide on awake spinal fusion. His 201 five-star Google reviews and 20+ years of experience reflect the patient outcomes this technique consistently delivers.
Key Topics in the Textbook
About Co-Editor Dr. Alok Sharan
Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and pioneer of the awake spinal fusion technique. Fellowship-trained at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, he brings academic rigor and clinical mastery to every procedure. As Deputy Editor of Clinical Spine Surgery — one of the leading peer-reviewed journals in the field — Dr. Sharan has authored over 100 research papers on spine surgery outcomes, technique, and innovation.
His work as co-editor of the Awake Spine Surgery book (Thieme Medical Publishers) represents the culmination of his commitment to advancing the field. Recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and New York Magazine Best Doctor, Dr. Sharan practices what he publishes — offering patients at his Edison, NJ office the exact techniques described in this textbook. Explore the full list of Dr. Sharan’s publications or visit the lectures page for his educational talks and conference presentations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the authors of the Awake Spine Surgery book?
The textbook Awake Spine Surgery was co-edited by Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS and Dr. Muhammad Abd-El-Barr, published by Thieme Medical Publishers — one of the world’s leading medical publishers.
Is this book for patients or surgeons?
The textbook is written primarily for spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, and anesthesiologists. Patients interested in the awake approach can visit our Awake Spinal Fusion overview page or call (732) 898-3950.
Where can I buy the Awake Spine Surgery book?
The book is available on Amazon and through Thieme Medical Publishers. ISBN: 1684206731.
Does Dr. Sharan perform the techniques described in his book?
Yes. Every technique in the Awake Spine Surgery textbook is a procedure Dr. Sharan performs. Call (732) 898-3950 to schedule a consultation.
What spine conditions can be treated with the awake technique?
The awake approach covers herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, spondylolisthesis, and more. Most patients are discharged same-day with a 2–4 week recovery versus 6–12 weeks with traditional surgery.
How do I upload my MRI for review?
Upload MRI images securely at our MRI upload portal. Dr. Sharan’s team will review and contact you to discuss next steps.
