C Spine Surgery

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

Is anyone familiar with routine post-op care of the patient who has surgery for cervical nerve root

decompression? In particular, how is the spine stabilized so the patient can cough, deep breathe,

and ambulate?

So many of our older patients have cervical bulging discs, osteophytes, facet arthropathy, and the

like. Lately, we have had 3 patients who are being advised to seek neurosurgery for relief. I'm

just wondering what we can expect when they come back to us after what will likely be a pretty

short hospital stay.

We certainly want to avoid respiratory and other complications.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

My dh had an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion a couple of years ago, and stayed over night, but I am told sometimes they are done as an out patient. He had some internal plates and screws placed. He was out of bed the same night. I think he only stayed overnight because of his sleep apnea.

He wore an soft collar for a couple of days, for comfort, but it wasn't for stabilization . He had a small drain removed on POD 1 and a dressing. He needed no post-op analgesia because he felt so much better.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

Wow, I"m glad he is doing so well.

As an RT/RN, how did and are you dealing with respiratory hygiene/problem prevention?