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How
long does my surgery take?
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Lumbar
discectomy - about 1 hour
Lumbar laminectomy - about 2 hours
Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion - about 2 hours
Interbody Fusion - about 3 hours
Craniotomy - about 2 ½ hours
Shunt - about 1 hour
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How
long will I be hospitalized?
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Lumbar
discectomy - usually 1 day
Lumbar laminectomy - usually 1 day
Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion - usually 1 day
Interbody Fusion - usually 2-4 days
Craniotomy - usually 2-4 days
Shunt - usually 1 day
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When
can I bathe?
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You
may shower, but do not take a tub bath, use a hot tub
or swim until your incision is completely healed.
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How should I modify my activities
after surgery? |
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You can do most of your typical daily activities.
It is OK to take walks after surgery and climb stairsAvoid
lifting objects that weigh over 5-10 pounds. Avoid aggressive
yard work, housework, or other aggressive physical activity. |
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When
can I return to work?
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Returning
to work depends on your surgery and the type of work you
do. Your surgeon makes the final decision: it's usually
four to six weeks after major surgery and a few days following
minor surgery.
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When
can I drive?
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You
may travel in a car for short trips but do not drive until
your doctors tells you it is OK.
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Will
I require physical therapy?
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Ultrasound,
massage, heat, cold, and therapeutic exercise decrease
pain and help improve alignment, strength and flexibility.
Your doctor will tailor your treatment program to your
specific needs.
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How
long does the pain and swelling last after surgery?
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It
is normal to have a slightly red, swollen incision. But
call your surgeon if you have increased redness, swelling
or drainage with an odor. These are possible signs of
infection. Fever is also a sign of infection, so take
your temperature daily. A slight fever is normal the day
after surgery, but call your surgeon if your temperature
stays elevated.
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Will
the doctor prescribe pain medication for me?
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Neurosurgical
Associates strive to ensure that your treatment be as
comfortable as possible. Therefore, patients who undergo
surgery can expect to receive adequate medication to control
their pain. The long-term use of narcotic pain medication
however should not be expected. Individual cases differ,
but as a general rule expect to receive a prescription
for narcotic pain medication upon discharge from the hospital.
This prescription will be sufficient to last until your
first post-operative visit. At this office visit you can
discuss any further medication needs with your physician.
Please understand that under most circumstances you will
be weaned off narcotic medication within 6 weeks after
your surgery.
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When
can I resume sex?
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You
may resume sexual activity whenever you feel comfortable
doing so.
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In
cases of cervical disc surgery, how long should I wear
a cervical collar?
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Wear
your cervical collar for 2 weeks, especially while riding
in a car and up walking around unless instructed otherwise
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When
do I need to come back to see the surgeon again?
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Schedule
a post-op appointment with your surgeon for two weeks
after your surgery.
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