Each patient's hospital stay may vary, depending on the individual condition. A typical stay is four days but may vary between three to seven days. Generally, the orthopedic team includes a surgeon, senior resident surgeon, registered nurse and physician assistant.
An epidural catheter is inserted in the back to control pain and usually is removed by the third day after surgery. A catheter also is placed in the bladder so that the patient does not have to walk to the bathroom during the first few days after surgery. This is removed on the third day, shortly after the epidural is removed.
A physical therapist assists the patient to walk after surgery. On the first day, the goal is to get out of bed to a chair. On the second day, the goal is to walk out of the room. By the third day, the patient may walk as tolerated. On the fourth day, the patient begins climbing stairs.
Before being discharged, spinal X-rays are taken to make sure that there are no early problems with the implants or spinal alignment. A nurse assists with discharge planning to ensure all the needs of the patient are met before going home.
The dressing covering the incision shouldn't be disturbed until a follow-up clinic visit, unless there is a concern about a wound, as determined by your surgeon during the operation or during the early recovery period in the hospital.