How long will my surgery take?

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

How long will I be hospitalized?

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

When can I bathe?

You may shower, but do not take a tub bath, use a hot tub or swim until your incision is completely healed.

How should I modify my activities after surgery?

You can do most of your typical daily activities. It is OK to take walks after surgery and climb stairs. Avoid lifting objects that weigh over 5-10 pounds. Avoid aggressive yard work, housework, or other aggressive physical activity.

When can I return to work?

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.

When can I drive?

You may travel in a car for short trips but do not drive until your doctors tells you it is OK.

Will I require physical therapy?

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.

How long does the pain and swelling last after surgery?

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.

Will the doctor prescribe pain medication for me?

Our doctors 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.

In cases of cervical disc surgery, how long should I wear a cervical collar?

Wear your cervical collar for 2-3 days, especially while riding in a car and up walking around unless instructed otherwise.

When do I need to come back to see the surgeon again?

Schedule a post-op appointment with your surgeon for four weeks after your surgery.

Medications

This is a list of medications commonly prescribed by surgeons in the treatment of Neurosurgical disorders.
 Tylox - Trademark for a preparation of oxycodone and acetaminophen, an analgesic. Combination medicine containing narcotic analgesic used to relieve pain. A narcotic analgesic and acetaminophen used together to provide better pain relief than either medicine used alone.
 Vicodin - Combination medicine containing narcotic analgesic used to relieve pain. A narcotic analgesic and acetaminophen used together to provide better pain relief than either medicine used alone.
 Motrin - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to relieve inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.
 Ultram - Used to relieve pain, including pain after surgery. The effects are similar to those of narcotic analgesics and although it is not a narcotic, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence.
 Darvocet - Combination medicine containing narcotic analgesic used to relieve pain. A narcotic analgesic and acetaminophen used together to provide better pain relief than either medicine used alone.
 Dilantin - Anticonvulsant used most often to control certain convulsions or seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. May also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
 Flexeril - Used to help relax certain muscles in your body. It helps relieve the pain, stiffness, and discomfort caused by strains, sprains, or injuries to your muscles.
 Neurontin - Used to help control some types of seizures.
 Robaxin - Used to relax certain muscles in your body and relieve stiffness, pain, and discomfort.

Pre-Op Instructions

Pre-op Examination A patient's initial appointment with the Neurosurgeon is called a consultation and includes an evaluation of general health, review of the patient's medical history, findings from X-rays, CT scans, MRI studies and /or other diagnostic tests. It is extremely important to bring any x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans with you to your scheduled appointment and prior to any surgical procedure. You will be asked to complete a brief medical history questionnaire prior to seeing the doctor. You will also be asked to provide a list of any medications that you are currently taking and any allergies that you may have. The preoperative evaluation identifies conditions that could cause surgical complications. Any condition affecting the cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculoskeletal, nervous, gastrointestinal, or endocrine system can increase surgical risk. A clear understanding of these potential problems makes the surgical procedure safer. In some cases, the patient is referred to a medical specialist prior to elective surgery. Pre-op Instructions  If you regularly take medication of any kind, including over the counter medications, your doctor may need to make medication changes before or after surgery. Ask your surgeon about taking your regular medications, including aspirin, ant-inflammatory drugs, coumadin, and other anti-inflammatory drugs, before surgery.  If you smoke, try to quit or at least cut down before surgery.  Your doctor may discuss blood donation with you, in case you need a blood transfusion to replace blood lost during surgery.  You may be asked to scrub the area where your incision will be made. If this area has hair, it may be shaved at the hospital.  You will probably be admitted to the hospital the day of surgery. Patients who have a scheduled admission will receive a telephone call from the Admitting Department prior to their admission date. You will be given individual instruction regarding how to get ready for the procedure. Bring your insurance cards or forms with you to the hospital.  You will be instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. If you do eat or drink after midnight,  your surgery may be cancelled because of the risk of vomiting and breathing stomach contents into your lungs during surgery.  Before you have surgery, you will be asked to sign a surgery consent form. It is important that you talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns that you or your family may have regarding your surgical care.  Leave your valuables, such as watches and jewelry at home.  Remove makeup before surgery, especially nail polish and lipstick. The surgical staff needs to see your natural coloring. Remove dentures and glasses before surgery.  Inpatients: Bring your personal toiletries and pajamas, robe, and slippers for your own comfort after surgery. Also bring your medication list (name, dose, how often you take them.)  Outpatients: Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes.  Bring any recent test results.