Post Op Lumbar Fusion

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 used to monitor output

• The incision in the lower back will have absorbable sutures under the skin, with surgical glue on the skin surface.  

• There will be a drain tubing near the incision to drain expected residual seepage

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

• Back pain and stiffness is expected

• Your pre-op leg pain should be much improved when you wake up from surgery, but you may have some numbness and any weakness that you had pre-op

• Visitation in the Recovery Room is very limited

• You may need to wear a back brace

Surgery Floor bed (1-3 days)

• Continue compression stockings while in bed

• Subcutaneous Heparin is started to prevent blood clots

• Urine (Foley) catheter removed within 1-2 days

• Drainage tubing removed within 2-3 days

• Advance to regular diet as throat soreness improves

• Ambulate in the hallways as much as tolerated

• May shower after drain tubing is removed

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

• Transition pain medicine and other Rx to oral route when pain improves over the first few days

• Pain medications cause constipation, which may require laxatives.  

• Significant back pain and muscle tightness is common

• Pre-op leg pain should be much improved

• Evaluation by physical therapist prior to leaving the hospital (to home vs to rehab center)