When do you arrive at the hospital ?
Generally, you are admitted to the hospital on the morning of the surgery. Upon arrival, you check in at admissions for administrative procedures, then go to the neurosurgery day hospital.
Reception at the neurosurgery day hospital
The care team welcomes you, helps you prepare for surgery, and ensures your personal belongings are safely stored. The resident doctor meets with you, answers any final questions, and marks the surgical site. This step is part of the safety and verification process before surgery. Compression stockings are applied before you go to the operating room. You will wear them 24/7 until discharge.
Transfer to the operating room
The exact time of surgery cannot be guaranteed. When the time comes, you are transferred to the operating room, where the care team prepares you (placement of a venous catheter, radiological marking of the surgical area, etc.). The anesthesiologist then administers anesthesia before the surgeon performs the operation. If the procedure lasts more than three hours, a urinary catheter is placed to monitor urine output.
The drain
The neurosurgeon may insert a drain (tube or redon) at the incision site to allow blood to flow and prevent hematoma. This tube causes no pain and is usually removed after 48 hours.
Recovery room
After surgery, you stay in the recovery room for about 1.5 hours. The care team monitors :
- Your vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, temperature)
- Your pain (solutions are offered as needed)
- Your bandage
- Your surgical drain
- Your sensitivity and motor function
If needed, you will receive :
- Intravenous hydration
- Oxygen via nasal cannula (most often) or mask
Transfer to Your Room
After the recovery room, you return to your hospital room. The care team continues monitoring :
- Your vital signs
- Your bandage
- Your surgical drain (a nurse will remove it one or two days after surgery)
- Your sensitivity and motor function, every four hours, day and night