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Call Your Doctor If You Have
- Increased pain
- Drainage, redness, or swelling around the
incision
- A fever over 101 degrees
How is the wound bandaged?
Immediately after surgery your wound will be
covered with sterile bandages. Normally this first bandage, often
referred to as the surgical dressing, will be removed the day after
surgery. The surgeon or nurse will examine your wound to be sure
that it looks as expected. Depending on the type of closure you have
had and your surgeon's preference, another bandage may be applied.
Do not be concerned if no bandage is reapplied. Once again, your
surgeon will make this determination.
How should I care for my wound?
There is very little care that needs to be given
to your surgical wound. The most important aspect for the first 72
to 96 hours will be to keep the wound dry and clean. Your surgical
wound will be assessed each day by your surgeon and nurses to be
sure that it is progressing and that no signs of infection are present.
They will alert you to any concerns that they have about your wound
and give you specific instructions regarding your wound care.
Is it normal for the wound to itch?
A few days after your surgery you may notice
some itching near your surgical wound. Most people say that is a
sign of healing but it may also be a result of the Steri-Strips™ or
other tapes that have been used. It is best to avoid itching the
wound. If it becomes too much of a problem, speak with your surgeon
or nurse. They may order medications by mouth or some topical cream
to help make this more tolerable.
How do I take care of my wound at home?
When you go home from the hospital you should
have someone look at your wound on a daily basis. It is normal to
have some fullness in your wound after spine surgery. This is a result
of swelling or hematoma. A hematoma is an accumulation of blood that
has occurred during and after your wound was closed. In most cases,
your body will absorb this fluid with no additional concern.
If the hematoma is significant and has not begun
to resolve after several days, your surgeon may want to remove the
fluid by aspirating the wound. Other signs of concern will be redness
or drainage from the wound. If the swelling is increasing, the wound
becomes red / inflamed or you notice drainage, you should contact
your surgeon or nurse for additional instructions.
When can I take a shower?
Your surgical team will make a determination
about when you can take a shower. However in most cases this will
be approximately 4 to 5 days after your surgery. Be sure to ask your
surgeon or nurse about the timing of that first shower. Normally
baths are discouraged for the first couple of weeks due to difficulty
getting in and out of a bathtub, as well as avoiding soaking the
wound in bath water.
Does it take a long time for the wound to heal?
Your wound will be healed within two weeks from
your surgery unless there has been some reason to delay that healing.
In addition people that have other medical problems such as diabetes,
people who need to take daily steroids for other conditions, and
those people whose immune system may be compromised, may need additional
time for their wounds to completely heal. If you have questions about
the time it will take for your wound to heal, discuss this with your
surgeon.
Is wound care different for a child?
Children's wounds heal very quickly and normally
without problem. Preventing your child from itching the wound or
touching the wound is very important. If the child requires the use
of a diaper, an additional measure to protect a surgical wound in
that area is necessary. Special bandage material that forms water
tight protection for the wound will be used until the wound is healed.
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Recovering from Surgery
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Rocky Mountain Orthopaedic Associates Physicians:
Kirk D. Clifford, MD
Mary Beth Deering, MD
Michael P. Dohm, MD
Michael Dolecki, MD
David P. Fisher, MD
Robert L. Frazho, MD
James S. Gebhard, MD
Steven J. Heil, MD
Sandra A. Horvath-Dori, MD
Michael J. Huang, MD
Mark G. Luker, MD
David M. Mayer, MD
Jeffrey M. Nakano, MD
Michael T. Reeder, DO
Michael D. Rooks, MD
James K. Weaver, MD
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