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Post Op Brain Surgery

Post Op in the Hospital

Intensive Care Unit bed (usually first 1-3 days)

  • Neurological exam is closely monitored

  • Post Op CT imaging and blood tests are routine

  • Breathing tube will be removed when safe

  • Compression stockings used to prevent blood clots

  • Urine (Foley) catheter used to monitor urine output

  • Mobilize out of bed to chair as soon as feasible

  • Gradually start meals the morning after surgery

  • Incision will have staples and antibiotic ointment covering (usually will not be covered by a head bandage)

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

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Surgery Floor bed (after ICU stay; lasting 1-3 days)

  • Out of bed to chair and walking with physical therapy

  • Compression stockings used while in bed

  • Start Subcutaneous Heparin (for blood clot prevention)

  • Foley catheter is removed 

  • Advance to regular diet

  • May shower 48 hrs after surgery

  • Pain medicine and other Rx transition to oral route

  • Physical Therapy (PT) and Social Work (SW) evaluation for needs after discharge

  • Discharge may be to rehab, nursing care facility, home with home health, or home without special needs

  • You will be discharged from the hospital once you are deemed safe by PT

Recovery at Home:

First 7 to10 days:

  • Resume your pre-op Medications 

  • Restart Anti-Coagulant and Anti-Platelet medicine as directed

  • Take any new medications as directed

  • Shower every day, using only regular shampoo to gently clean the surgery site

  • Leave the surgery site/staples open to air

  • Swelling around the incision/face is expected to peak around 3-4 days after surgery and then slowly get better in 1-2 weeks

  • Limit exertion to less than 15 pounds of lifting

  • Start walking every day, up to 30 minutes a day, if able to do so safely

  • Staples removed around 7-10 days after surgery (in the neurosurgery office or by a physician in rehab, if still in rehabilitation facility)

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1 to 2 months post op:

  • Continue to increase activities as tolerated

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

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3 Months post op:

  • Follow up in Neurosurgery Office 3 moths after surgery for follow up

  • Post Op imaging (MRI) is usually done just prior to the 3 month office visit

©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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