[Medical Q&A] What should patients pay attention to after surgery for lumbar disc herniation?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Li Jun, deputy chief physician, Peking University First Hospital

Patients who undergo surgery for lumbar disc herniation can usually be discharged from the hospital 10 to 14 days after the surgery after the stitches are removed. Of course, if the wound heals well, the body temperature is normal, and all indicators are normal, it is also possible to return to the hospital to remove the stitches after discharge, depending on the patient's own situation. For intradermal suture incisions, there is no need to remove the stitches, and the doctor will inform you of the relevant matters before discharge.

The surgical incision for lumbar disc herniation usually heals in 10 to 14 days, and you can take a bath after the incision heals. It is recommended to stay in bed for 4 to 6 weeks after being discharged from the hospital and try to avoid bending over. If you want to pick up something that has fallen on the ground, you must pay attention to your posture and keep your upper body straight before squatting down to pick it up. Wear a suitable waist belt when walking, eating, washing, and defecating, and you can remove the waist belt after lying in bed.

Avoid excessive bending, twisting, bending, pushing or lifting heavy objects, and excessive force within 3 months after surgery. Exercise properly, combine work and rest, and avoid bad habits such as standing or sitting for long periods of time, poor sitting posture, and excessive weight bearing.

Usually, the patient will be re-examined 1 month after surgery, and the decision on whether to work will be made based on the results of the re-examination. If the patient can work, the chair he sits on must have a backrest, and the backrest must be at the same height as the shoulders. The frequency of routine re-examination after surgery is 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery.

If the patient feels abnormal muscle strength or lower limb movement after the operation, such as numbness in the legs or feeling "weak legs" when getting out of bed, or swollen legs, it is recommended to come to the hospital for timely treatment to prevent complications.

After discharge, most patients can perform some simple activities of daily life, and in the later stage, they can gradually increase walking, lower limb and core strength training according to the situation.