After the intervention

Adresse

Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4
1205 Geneva
Switzerland

Complément d'adresse
C Building, 2nd Floor
Portrait du Pr Karl Schaller
Professeur
Karl Schaller
Head of Division

The day of the intervention

You will be monitored closely and treated in the recovery room before being transferred to your room. The health care team will answer your questions, and coordinate and provide care related to your health condition.

You can have something to drink two hours after your intervention based on the anesthetist’s orders. The nurse will regularly assess the pain with you and adjust your medical treatment based on the pain's intensity. However, do not hesitate to report any pain to the team.

Every four hours, day or night, over the course of 48 hours, the nurse will test your sensitivity and motor skills in your legs.

After the operation, you will lie on your back for at least six hours. Then a member of the health care team will help you to turn on your side, as in the positions shown below.

Relaxation position with a pillow
under the knees

Position de détente

Lying sideways with a pillow
between the legs

Position de détente

 

The first day after the intervention

Usually you can eat the next morning, if the neurosurgeon agrees. After you eat breakfast, a nurse or physical therapist will help you to sit on the edge of the bed, then in the chair (1st time to get up). Then you will be accompanied to the sink to wash up.

Only the movement explained below is allowed. This exercise is intended to protect your back when you get up. It is important to do it throughout your rehabilitation.

Turning your body sideways
 

rééducation

Keep your back straight, lower your legs and
push with your arms to sit up

rééducation

Keep your back straight when you stand up

rééducation

A physical therapist will accompany you to take a walk down the hallway and instruct you about the movements and postures you should use.

 

The second day after the intervention

You can take a shower after 48 hours, making sure you do not wet your dressing. A carer will assist you with the hygiene of your back.

You can get up by yourself and walk around the unit. You will do the exercises explained below for the first time with the physical therapist.

To strengthen the posterior muscles of the back

renforcer la musculature posstérieure du dos

Support your head, both arms, your right foot and your left leg while exhaling; then relax your muscles while inhaling. Repeat the same exercise with your other leg. If possible, repeat each exercise 10 times.

To strengthen the abdominal muscles

 

renforcer la musculature abdominale

Push your right knee with your left hand while exhaling; then relax your muscles while inhaling. Repeat the same exercise with your other leg. If possible, repeat each exercise 10 times on each side.

 

The third day after the intervention

You will repeat the exercises with your physical therapist. They will accompany you to walk up the stairs.

 

Last update : 04/07/2019