Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

Pain medication will be prescribed at the time of discharge if applicable.

Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ie: ibuprofen, Naprosyn, Aleve or similar products) as these medications inhibit the fusion process.

Wound Care:

·  Keep wound clean and dry

·  Do not shower until your bandage is removed

·  Remove your bandage on the 3rd post-operative day…72 hours after surgery.

(ie: if your surgery was Monday, remove the bandage on Thursday morning.)

·  Leave steri strips on your wound until they begin to fall off and then remove them.

·  Do not soak your wound in water (no bathing or swimming).

Activity:

·  No lifting, bending or exertion

·  No sexual activity

·  No driving

·  No smoking

·  You will be advised whether or not you must wear a hard or soft collar after your procedure.

Call our office if…

·  There are signs of a wound infection –redness, swelling, tenderness, drainage, temperature of 101.5 degrees F, or chills

·  Increased pain

·  Questions, concerns

Diagnostic Studies Prior to Next Appointment:

·  If diagnostic tests are required you will be advised and scripts will be provided.

Post –Operative Follow- Up Appointments

·  Your first post -operative appointment was likely scheduled for you. The first post-operative appointment should be scheduled two weeks after your surgery. If you do not have a scheduled post-op visit, please call our office at (716) 631-3555 ext 311 to schedule one.

·  Post-Operative Physical Therapy is recommended. The first visit can be scheduled six weeks after surgery. Anticipate one or two visits per week with an average of 10-12 post-op visits following your surgery though this can vary pending work demands and lifestyle.

For true emergencies during business hours please call (716) 631-3555 ext “0”. On weekdays after 4:00pm or on weekends and holidays, please call our answering service at (716) 879-0165 and they will contact our on call medical staff.

Brain and Spine Center 400 International Drive Williamsville, NY 14221

Tel: 716-631-3555 Fax: 716-631-9525