SPINAL DEFORMITY RECONSTRUCTION
Recovery & Post-Operative Instructions
DAY OF SURGERY
Dr. Hirsch will see you before surgery and review your symptoms. The perioperative nursing team will meet you in the preoperative area to help you prepare for surgery. They will ask you about your medical history, help obtain IV access and prepare the skin in the area of the surgery. The anesthesiology team will also interview you about your medical history before bringing you to the operating room. After surgery you will arrive in the recovery room where you will be monitored until you are fully awake. In certain cases, you may be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery for closer monitoring.
NIGHT AFTER SURGERY
Surgical pain will be present in the area of your incisions. You will receive a regimen of different types of pain medication designed to minimize side effects. You should stand up out of bed at least once.
WEEK AFTER SURGERY
You will remain in the hospital as you gradually become more mobile and independent. Surgical pain is typically worst in the 48 hours after surgery and decreases significantly each day. X-rays will be taken of you standing up to evaluate your spinal alignment. Physical therapists will assist you in getting out of bed, walking, sitting, and performing other activities of daily living. Once you are able to safely perform these tasks you will be ready for discharge home. In certain cases, patients may need to stay at a rehabilitation center prior to returning home if they need a substantial amount of assistance.
YOUR SURGICAL INCISION
Your incisions will be covered by a medical skin glue and a surgical dressing. Your surgical dressing will be changed as needed in the first two weeks after surgery. You may require an in-home nurse for assistance with dressing changes. Keep the wound covered for the first 10 days after surgery.
BATHING AFTER SURGERY
5 days after surgery, begin showering without a dressing on. Cover the dressing after bathing until 10 days after surgery. Do not submerge the wound underwater (i.e. in a bath, lake, ocean) until 2 weeks after surgery.
POST OPERATIVE PAIN CONTROL
Dr. Hirsch will provide you with prescriptions for pain. These will be electronically prescribed to your pharmacy. You will not need to have a paper prescription.
Cyclobenzaprine - Take one pill every 8 hours.
Acetaminophen - Take one pill every 8 hours.
Oxycodone - If your pain is still severe after taking the acetaminophen, take one pill. You may repeat this every 4 hours if you need to.
WHEN TO CALL THE OFFICE
Call the office if you have a question about when your follow up appointment is or if you are not sure how to care for your incision. If you begin to have redness or drainage from your incisions please contact the office.
WHEN CAN I....
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Eat normal food
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Walk
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Drive a car
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Go golfing
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Go back to work