Lumbar spine procedures have advanced significantly in recent decades. Minimally invasive techniques allow for faster, more effective healing with a lower risk of complications. However, that doesn’t make treatment risk-free. Proper wound care is still vital to maximize the chances of success after surgery.
NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides spine procedures for patients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Here, we discuss infection prevention after lumbar procedures, including incision care and warning signs that it’s time to call your surgeon.
Key Takeaways
- Infection is the most common complication after lumbar spine surgery.
- Effective infection prevention includes proper incision care, taking antibiotics as instructed by your surgeon, and watching for warning signs of infection.
- If you notice signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- NU-Spine provides lumbar spine procedures for patients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida.
Why Is Infection Prevention After Lumbar Procedures Important?
When healing from lumbar spine surgery, such as a discectomy or spinal fusion, infection is the most common complication to watch for. NU-Spine uses stringent sterilization procedures to keep surgical sites clean during treatment. Even so, incisions can still become infected after the patient leaves the hospital. Insufficient incision care and improper medication both contribute to a patient’s infection risk.
Surgical incisions take around two weeks to close, or less if the procedure was minimally invasive. During this time, the incision remains open to pathogens that may cause infection. Careful infection prevention is crucial to keep the site protected and ensure that it heals correctly.
Step-By-Step Incision Care at Home
The first and most important part of infection prevention is caring for your incision. To protect the surgical site from invading pathogens, keep the incision clean by following these steps:
Changing the Dressing
Change the surgical dressing daily. Carefully remove the old dressing, then clean the site using mild soap and water. Inspect the incision for bleeding and signs of infection before replacing the dressing using fresh gauze. Be sure to wash your hands before and after changing the dressing.
Limiting Activity
Avoid activities that create pressure on the incision site. This includes strenuous activities, such as sports and exercise. It may also include household chores that require bending, twisting, or lifting, as these movements cause the skin to pull against your incision.
Bathing
Avoid bathing for 24 hours after the procedure. Once 24 hours have passed, it is safe to wash or shower. Clean the incision site using mild soap and water, then gently pat it dry with a clean cloth. Do not take baths, go swimming, or otherwise submerge the incision site in water.
Avoiding Incision Contact
Avoid tight clothing that rubs against the incision. Also, avoid scratching the wound. It is normal for surgical incisions to feel itchy while they heal, but scratching may disrupt stitches or introduce bacteria to the wound. If the itching gets worse instead of better, contact your surgeon.
Following Medication Protocols
Antibiotics are another aspect of infection prevention. After your procedure, the surgeon will prescribe antibiotics to kill any pathogens that enter your body. You must follow the instructions closely and complete the full round of antibiotics. Incorrect medication procedures can leave some bacteria alive, allowing them to build resistance to antibiotics.
What Are the Warning Signs of Infection?
It’s also important to check your incision for warning signs that it has become infected. The following are indicators of infection:
- Redness around the incision
- Drainage of thick, cloudy fluid
- A bad odor from the incision
- Swelling or heat around the incision
- Fever
If you notice any of the above warning signs, contact your healthcare provider. If you develop a fever over 101 degrees, experience chills, or feel generally unwell, go to the emergency room. Fever and sickness suggest that your infection has spread inside your body, a severe condition that requires urgent medical attention.
Find Expert Spine Surgery Near You in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida
A successful surgery recovery starts with choosing the right surgeon. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute offers the cutting edge in minimally invasive neck and spine treatments at locations near you in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida, leading to faster recoveries and less risk of infection. Contact us today to learn more about our approach to infection prevention after lumbar procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infection Prevention After Surgery
How long should my lumbar incision stay covered?
Lumbar incisions should stay covered until the incision has completely closed, typically about one to two weeks.
Is a little redness around my lumbar incision normal?
A little bit of redness is normal on the incision itself. If you notice that the redness is spreading or the development of any puffiness, swelling, or warmth at the incision site, contact your doctor.
Can I put ointment or cream directly on the incision?
If your surgeon has prescribed an antibiotic or other cream, you should follow the instructions for application. You should not place any ointment or cream on your incision that was not prescribed by your surgeon.