Patient education: Laminectomy – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is laminectomy? — Each of your vertebrae (back bones) has a part called the "lamina." The lamina is the part that forms the roof of the spinal canal (figure 1). Laminectomy is surgery to remove the lamina.

Laminectomy is usually done because the nerves in the area have too much pressure on them and are getting pinched. Removing the lamina creates more space for the nerves and helps improve these symptoms.

How long it takes for you to recover, and what you need to do, depends on the type of surgery you had. If you had "minimally invasive" surgery, you might be able to return to your normal activities sooner. With open surgery, it might take a bit longer to recover.

How do I care for myself at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

For the first 24 hours after surgery:

●Do not drive or operate heavy or dangerous machinery.

●Do not make any important decisions or sign any important papers.

●Do not drink alcohol of any kind.

You should also:

●Take all of your medicines as instructed.

●Take care of your incision – You might have stitches, skin staples, or surgical glue on your incision. If you had minimally invasive surgery, you might have more than 1 incision.

●Once you no longer need to keep your incision dry, gently wash it with soap and water whenever you take a shower. Do not put your incision underwater, such as in a bath, pool, or lake. This can slow healing and raise your chance of getting an infection.

•After you wash your incision, pat it dry. Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to cover your incision with a bandage or gauze.

•Always wash your hands before and after you touch your incision or bandage.

●Increase your activity slowly – Start with short walks around your home and walk a little more each day.

•Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds (about 4.5 kg) for at least 2 to 3 weeks. Also avoid bending or twisting during this time.

•Avoid heavy exercise or activity for at least 4 to 6 weeks. (Your doctor or nurse will tell you exactly how long to avoid specific activities.)

•You might work with a physical therapist as you recover. They will give you specific exercises to do to strengthen your back.

●Eat when you are hungry – If you have an upset stomach, it might help to start with clear liquids and foods that are easy to digest, like soup, pudding, toast, or eggs. You can eat other types of foods when you feel ready. If your doctor or nurse gave you specific instructions about what to eat or avoid, follow them.

●Ice the area to help with pain – Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on the area every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and your skin.

●Take care when sleeping – Sleep on a comfortable mattress that supports your back. You can sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees, or on your back with a pillow under your knees. These positions help keep your spine in line. Use a somewhat firm pillow for under your head.

●Use a stool softener to help prevent constipation, if needed. This is a common problem if you take opioid pain medicines.

What follow-up care do I need? — The doctor will want to see you again after surgery to check on your progress. Go to these appointments.

If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will usually want to do this in 2 to 3 weeks. Some stitches absorb on their own and do not need to be removed. If the doctor used skin glue or tape, it will fall off on its own. Do not pick at it or try to remove it yourself.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if:

●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.

●You have drainage from the incision.

●You have nausea or vomiting for more than 2 days after going home.

●You have severe headaches.

●You have any new or different pain, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs.

More on this topic

Patient education: Laminectomy (The Basics)
Patient education: Low back pain in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Herniated disc (The Basics)
Patient education: Spinal stenosis (The Basics)
Patient education: Cauda equina syndrome (The Basics)
Patient education: Do I need an X-ray (or other test) for low back pain? (The Basics)

Patient education: Low back pain in adults (Beyond the Basics)