What
to Expect Before and After Surgery:
What to Expect Before and After
Spine surgery is a long and difficult process
requiring preparation. Knowing what to expect
can help make your hospital stay more comfortable
and your recovery easier.
The Day Before
Our surgical staff will give you personalized instructions
regarding preparing for your surgery, but generally most patients are instructed
to observe the following directions starting 24 hours before the surgery.
- Do not eat any solid foods after midnight the
night before your surgery. You can drink clear
liquids up to 8AM if your surgery is scheduled
for after 3PM that day. If you are a diabetic,
talk to your physician as to when you should
stop eating.
- If you take daily medications, your primary
care physician and/or cardiologist should discuss
the timing of when you should stop these prior
to surgery. Medications like blood thinners such
as coumadin, or medications for high blood pressure,
heart arrhythmia or diabetes are especially important.
- If you become ill prior to your surgery (cold,
flu, fever etc.), it is essential that
you call us immediately. Our office and the hospital
requires 72 hours to cancel your surgery time.
The Day Of Surgery
The day of surgery will be very busy and it's important you arrive on time.
The following directions will help your day to run smoothly.
- Please leave your valuables at home (money,
credit cards, jewelry, etc.).
- Avoid body lotions and make-up.
- If you wear glasses, contacts, dentures or
a hearing device, please bring them with storage
case.
- Bring clothing that will be comfortable and
easy for you to put on, including sneakers or
other sturdy, flat shoes.
- Bring toiletry items and your back brace (if
applicable)
- If you are scheduled for outpatient surgery,
please arrange for your transportation back home.
You will not be permitted to drive yourself.
Arrival & Preop
Preparations
You will spend time in several areas of the hospital in preparation for your
surgery. You may be asked many of the same questions repeatedly; be patient
this questioning is done for your safety.
Depending on the rules at the hospital, your family
should be allowed to stay with you through the
early preop process. Your medical and surgical
histories, medications, allergies and preoperative
process will be reviewed in detail. Vital signs
including weight, blood pressure, oxygen levels,
heart rate, and temperature are recorded. If your
physician has ordered any other preoperative tests,
they will be performed.
An intravenous catheter will be inserted and fluids
will be administered including antibiotics and
sedatives.
You will meet with the surgical team including
the anesthesiologist, the surgeon and nurses, in
the preoperative holding area. Risks, complications
and questions will be reviewed again and answered.
Please bring a list of your questions if need be.
The Operating Room
After you have spoken to both the anesthesiologist and your surgeon, you will
be taken to the operating room (OR) and your family will be sent to the waiting
area. The hospital staff will communicate with your family during and after
the procedure. The surgeon will speak with your family after the surgery
as well.
Post Surgery
Now that your surgery is behind you, the recovery process is your main priority.
To help you manage your expectations we've outlined the main steps in this
process.
Length of Stay
The amount of time you spend in the hospital will vary depending on procedure
types and individual patient needs. Generally, a cervical surgery and lumbar
decompression surgery requires a two day hospital stay. Fusion surgery can
require a four to five day stay and minimally invasive lumbar fusions sometimes
a one to two day stay. Complex surgeries and other revision and reconstruction
surgeries will likely require extended hospital time. The individual patient's
general condition and age will greatly influence the length of stay.
The First Weeks At Home
During the first few weeks, you will be very tired. You should be spending
half of your time resting and the other half up and moving around. It is
good planning to have someone available to help you for the first two weeks.
You should be able to go to the bathroom and moving toward manage your surroundings
without help. Pain medications should be taken on a routine basis.
Activities at this point should include a walking
program. Do what you feel you can do, but be conservative
and safe. In any event, do not lift anything more
than 10 pounds and no stooping, twisting, lifting,
housework, or yard work are allowed at this time.
You can return to sexual activity when you feel
ready.
The wound must be kept clean and dry and the dressing
should be changed on a daily basis. For showering,
you can tape a a cut piece of plastic wrap to over
the wound to keep the incision dry. Change this
to a dry gauze once again after the shower. Place
no lotions, powders, or ointments on the incision
unless instructed to do so.
Keep track of your prescription medications by
writing down when they should be taken. Narcotic
pain medications require the actual written prescription,
so don't wait until you are out of medication to
call the office for a refill. Please be advised
that the Spine and Rehab Center requires 48 hours
notice for refill requests and prescriptions are
only generated during the week (no weekends.)
As the weeks progress, you should gradually increase
your amount of activity dhowever, the restrictions
are still in effect. Returning to work is based
on your type of work, type of surgery, energy level
and comfort. Generally, a laminectomy procedure
allows a return to a sedentary job within two weeks.
A more involved surgery combined with more physical
types of work may require months of recovery prior
to returning to work.
The First Month After Surgery
Your postop visit to the Spine and Rehab Center will occur at about two weeks
after surgery. At this time, we might increase your level of activity, which
could include progression towards a basic exercise program. The specifics
of your particular surgery will influence this decision. For example, fusion
surgeries require a longer period of rest than laminectomy surgeries Physical
therapy may or may not be prescribed at this point.
Three Months Post Op
Expect to have another office visit at three months after surgery. At this
time, a more vigorous physical therapy exercise regimen will be initiated,
if necessary. X-rays will be taken as needed to check the healing of the
fusion, if performed. If you had a straightforward laminectomy, a full release
to all activities will likely be given a green light at this point. Fusion
surgery will probably require restrictions for another three months.
Fusion Surgery- Six Month Office Visit
The six month office visit will focus on your rehab plan. More x-rays will
be taken to further assess the fusion progress. Most fusions will be mature
at this point so many restrictions will be lifted at this time. However,
the fusion will take a good one year period before your recovery is totally
complete, so some restrictions may remain.
Annual Checkups
A routine office visit is recommended on a annual
basis after a major spine surgery.
