Spine Surgery - Your Stay

PCA Pump

• Your surgeon may choose to put you on a PCA (patient controlled analgesic) pump after surgery.
• You will have a button to press that will give you a small amount of pain medication (Morphine or Dilaudid) through the IV.
• ONLY THE PATIENT CAN PRESS THE BUTTON.
• This Medication can increase your risk for a fall - Call for assistance.

Cervical Collar

• Designed to support the neck and promote comfort post operatively.
• Keep on at all times unless otherwise advised by surgeon.
• Change dressing pads as needed.

Wound Drain

• You may have a surgical drain after surgery.
• This collects blood and other fluids from the surgical site.
• The output will be monitored at least every 8 hours.
• It will be removed 1 day after surgery
• If you do not have a drain you may notice increased drainage on your surgical dressing

Orthopaedic Nursing Unit

• Todd 6 East is certified by the Joint Commission for hip and knee replacement surgery. It is a medical/surgical/orthopaedic unit led by our specialty trained nursing staff.
• Hand sanitizers are available outside and inside each room. All people entering and exiting your room should be using these dispensers. Feel free to speak up if you do not see this occur.
• We ask that any visitors who have colds refrain from visiting for the concern of you and other patients on the unit.

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours are 11 a.m. until 830 p.m. Group physical therapy begins around 2 p.m. - this is a great time for your support person to visit and motivate you. A medical doctor may be assigned to manage your care. Some PMD’s assign one of our hospital doctors to manage your medical care after surgery. These are called hospitalists.

Precautions After Surgery

“No BLT’s”

The clot can travel to the lungs and cause shortness of breath and increased heart rate.