This respiratory illness season, wearing a mask is required in patient and resident areas at Sunnybrook. Read our visitor guidelines »

Spine Program
Hospital  >  Care Programs  >  Holland Bone and Joint Program  >  Clinics & services  >  Spine Program  >  Treatments

Patient Education: Diseases Conditions Treatments & Procedures

Microdiscectomy

Post-Treatment Care

Important information for your care after Microdisectomy
How to care for your wound:

  1. You will have a light dressing g on your back. Keep this dressing clean and dry for 48 hours. It is normal to have a small amount of bloody drainage on the dressing. The dressing may be reinforced with additional gauze.
  2. After 72 hours, the dressing may be removed. You may have small steri strip tapes beneath the dressing. Leave these steri strips and keep incision dry. You have dissolvable sutures.
  3. You may shower, but keep incision dry by covering it and avoid direct water on the incision for 10 days.
  4. Do not bathe until 14 days after your surgery.
  5. The steri strips will naturally peel off with showering and bathing.
  6. You are encouraged to walk immediately following your surgery.
  7. You may lie on your back or in any position comfortable to you.
  8. Take your pain medication as directed. This medication may cause constipation. Drink plenty of water. Eating fruits and vegetables may help to avoid constipation. A mild laxative may be necessary.
  9. You must make a check up appointment at your doctor’s office for 4- 6 weeks after surgery. Call to schedule this shortly after discharge from hospital.

What should you expect following lumbar microdiscotomy?

  1. Pain in the back is normal
  2. Leg pain should be improved.
  3. If there was weakness in the leg, then slow recovery may be seen.
  4. If there was numbness in the leg, then slow recovery may be seen.
  5. It is common to have mild recurrences of leg pain over the first six weeks. Rest for a day or two.

What should you NOT expect following lumbar microdiscotomy?

  1. Fever greater than 38 degrees C. or the incision becomes red and inflamed.
  2. Clear discharge from the incision.
  3. Headaches and nausea when sitting or standing which improve with lying.
  4. Excessive pain that is NOT relieved by the prescribed pain pills.
  5. Numbness in the rectal and genital region.
If you experience the above symptome - call your surgeon to report these problems or go to your nearest local Emergency Department

Visit the Sunnybrook Spine Program