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Post Op ACDF

Post Op in the Hospital

Recovery Room (PACU) (first few hours after surgery)

  • Your exam and pain level are closely monitored

  • Supplemental oxygen is normal during this stage

  • Taking deep breaths will improve your lungs' recovery

  • Compression stockings are used to prevent blood clots 

  • Urine (Foley) catheter generally not needed for ACDF

  • Incision in the front of the neck will have absorbable sutures under the skin, with surgical glue (Dermabond) clear film on top of the skin.

  • Soft neck collar optional for comfort (not required)

  • Pain medicine and other Rx via I.V. (intravenous route)

  • Swallowing difficulty and hoarseness is expected

  • Mobilize out of bed to a chair as soon as feasible

  • Gradually start meals as tolerated

  • Visitation in the Recovery Room is very limited

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Surgery Floor bed (if required) (1-2 days)

  • Most patients will be able to go home within 23 hrs

  • Continue compression stockings while in bed

  • Subcutaneous Heparin is started to prevent blood clots

  • Foley catheter (if used) is removed the day after surgery

  • Surgical drain is usually removed within 23 hrs 

  • Advance to regular diet as swallowing improves

  • Ambulate in the hallways as much as tolerated

  • May shower 24 hrs after surgery

  • Antibiotics are taken for 24 hours after surgery or until the drain is removed

  • Transition pain medicine and other Rx to oral route

  • Pain medications cause constipation, which may require laxatives.  

Recovery at Home

First 14 days after surgery:

  • Neck pain, swallowing soreness, hoarseness, numbness and neck stiffness are expected

  • Can shower starting evening of surgery

  • Surgical glue will fall off in 2-3 weeks 

  • Swelling peaks around 3-4 days after surgery and then slowly gets better in 1-2 weeks, so your discomfort may worsen after surgery before slowly improving

  • Limit exertion to less than 10 pounds of lifting

  • Start walking at least 30 minutes every day

  • Numbness and Weakness may persist

  • Neurosurgery visit 10-14 days after surgery for a quick (5 minute) incision site check.  No suture/staple removal required.

  • Safe to drive when off of prescription pain meds for 24 hours

1 to 2 Months post op:

  • Increase activities (lifting limit is 20 lbs)

  • Post op pain/stiffness is still expected, but it should slowly decrease by the end of this time

  • Numbness and weakness are likely to persist

3 Months post op:

  • Neurosurgery visit 3 months after surgery 

  • Post Op X-rays prior to the 3 month office visit

  • Pain and weakness should be resolving

  • Numbness may take 3-6 months to recover

  • May increase lifting and activities gradually back to baseline activities prior to surgery

©2018 by Quoc-Anh Thai, MD, Neurosurgeon.

Disclaimer: This is an independent, privately funded personal website, and the information/opinions contained in the website do not represent any hospital, health system, nor its affiliates and/or administration and are not necessarily endorsed by the aforementioned. This website provides general information only and does not claim to offer any form of diagnosis, treatment, nor state/imply any formation of a doctor-patient relationship nor the practice of telemedicine.  Formal doctor-patient relationship and neurosurgery care can only be done in person, without exception.  The site makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, nor timeliness of the information, and users agree that the website and anyone affiliated with the website will not be liable for any errors, omission, or usage that is not intended and in replacement of proper healthcare. All health related questions pertaining to you should be handled by your physician. 

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