Discharge Instructions for a Microlumbar Discectomy

After a lumbar discectomy, you may be able to go home the same day as your surgery, reports the Mayfield Clinic, one of the largest neurosurgical practices in the world. However, you will need help at home for the first few days. The Mayfield Clinic advises that you resume your regular activities gradually and let pain be your barometer. Minimally invasive techniques such as microlumbar discectomies usually result in faster recovery times than more extensive surgeries, but you will need to follow your doctor's discharge instructions to heal properly and quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Caregiver
• Pain medication
• Fiber or laxatives

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Instructions

• 1

  Microlumbar discectomies can be performed as outpatient operations.

  Schedule an appointment to remove bandages, staples or sutures. According to the Nebraska Medical Center, bandages should be removed before you leave the hospital or within 36 hours of surgery. Non-dissolving staples or sutures may be removed two weeks after the operation, at which point you should also schedule a follow-up visit with your doctor.

• 2

  Monitor your wounds for signs of infection.

  Ask your caregiver to check your wounds daily. Call your doctor if your caregiver notes any excessive drainage, foul odors, redness or swelling, or if your incision opens.

• 3

  Ask your doctor before taking any non-prescribed pain medication.

  Take prescribed narcotics for pain management. Control pain with acetaminophen after four weeks. Check with your doctor before taking over-the-counter pain medication or any anti-inflammatory medications.

• 4

  Add fiber to your diet to ease bowel movements.

  Add fiber to your diet, as narcotic-use often leads to constipation. Drink plenty of water and use laxatives if necessary. Otherwise, the Nebraska Medical Center's microlumbar discectomy discharge instructions suggest you follow your regular diet.

• 5

  Avoid swimming until you get the go-ahead.

  Avoid baths, hot tubs and swimming pools until after your follow-up visit. Shower one to four days after surgery, or follow your doctor's specific discharge instructions.

• 6

  Avoid the uphill settings on your treadmill.

  The Nebraska Medical Center recommends using a back brace or lumbar supports throughout your recovery days. Limit your sitting time to twenty or thirty minute-intervals, and lie down or walk in between these periods. Recline your seat if you are a car passenger, advises the Nebraska Medical Center. You cannot drive for two to four weeks after surgery.

  Walk as much as you can. Go up and down stairs but avoid walking on an incline if you use a treadmill, cautions the Mayfield Clinic.

• 7

  Avoid all housework and yard work, as recommended by the Mayfield Clinic. Do not engage in sexual activity until your doctor tells you otherwise.

• 8

  Bend at your ankles, knees and hips to keep your spine neutral, cautions the Nebraska Medical Center. Do not bend forward or twist from the waist, and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds until you are fully recovered.