Laminectomy Discharge Instructions

About the Surgery

What is a Laminectomy?

A surgical procedure that removes a piece of bone from your spine called the lamina to have access to the spinal cord:

Some examples of reasons to have a laminectomy are:

• Spinal cord tumor
• Chairi malformation
• Tethered spinal cord

Day of the Surgery

• Your surgical team will be with you every step of the way
• You will be in the ICU after your surgery

After the Surgery

What is the post-op home care for a Laminectomy?

Incision Care

• Wash incision daily with mild shampoo/soap and water (application of antibiotic ointment not necessary unless instructed by Neurosurgery team)
• You may scrub incision lightly to help prevent scab formation
• No beach/pool ( 1^st month after surgery) or  until cleared by Neurosurgery team
• Avoid direct sunlight on incision
• Do not scratch incision
• Avoid stool or urine to get on the incision, frequent diaper changes for none- potty trained children may be necessary

Activity

• Keep activity level  light until you are seen in clinic
• No heavy lifting, No exercise
• May not return to school until cleared by Neurosurgery team
• No participation in Physical Education for 1 month or until cleared by Neurosurgery team

Pain control

• You may take over the counter medications, which include:
  • Acetaminophen every 4 hours or
  • Ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed
  • These medications can be alternated

Follow-up Office Visit

• You will be seen in Neurosurgery office approximately 10-14 days after leaving the hospital for physical evaluation and wound check.

When to call the office

• Fever greater than 101.5°F oral or axillary
• Headaches not relieved with pain medication
• Nausea/vomiting
• Increasing fluid around incision site
• Increased swelling, redness around incision site

Resources

For more information about the neurosurgery services, please visit us at Pediatric Neurosurgery

Questions or Concerns?

Call us @ 305-662-8386