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Post Operative Instructions
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Post Operative Instructions for Lumbar Micro Discectomies
and Decompressive Lumbar Laminectomies
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Have someone observe your incision each day for any changes. Signs of infection include:
Redness and increased warmth around the incision. Some redness near the staples is normal, and should slowly diminish once removed. Fever Drainage from the incision larger than the size of a quarter. Increased pain around the incision area.
The office/physician should be notified if signs of infection are present. You may shower when you go home, but should not take a tub bath until your incision has completely healed. Have someone wash your incision by gently cleansing with soap and water. Rinse incision thoroughly, then gently pat dry. Do not rub the incision. Do not apply lotion or powders to your incision until completely healed. Note any signs or symptoms such as tingling, color or temperature differences in your arms or legs, which might indicate circulation changes. Notify your doctor or disc. You staples/stitches will be removed in 7-10 days. This appointment is scheduled at the same time your surgery date is determined. If you do not have an appointment scheduled, contact the office. A physician extender removes the staples/sutures, and you will not see the physician at this visit. The physician extender is qualified to answer possible questions or concerns. She also has direct contact with the surgeon if any concerns or problems arise. You will see the surgeon at your 4-week post-operative visit.
It is normal to have some pain after any operation. After a lumbar microdiscectomy or a decompressive lumbar laminectomy there may be some leg "aching" and numbness which occurs as the nerve(s) attempts to heal. You also may feel some muscle spasms across your back and down your leg. If there was inflammation in the nerve root, some pain will persist until this inflammation diminishes. You will be given appropriate medication to control your pain, relieve spasms and reduce inflammation.
Healing is the body’s natural process of restoring its damaged tissues to a normal, or nearly normal, condition. Healing occurs on its own, but is influenced by such factors as general good health, physical fitness, nutrition and rest. Healing is a slow process and does not occur overnight. All people heal at different rates. The speed at which you recover and hell depends on may factor including:
You’re overall conditioning level prior to surgery. You’re general level of health. Certain conditions affect or slow the healing process, including your age, your mental attitude, if you are overweight, out of shape, smoke cigarettes, or if you are a diabetic or have other pre-existing medical problems.
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