Patients often feel a very good effect on the symptoms in the first few days after the operation, and yet after a few weeks they regain light symptoms. This is normal and is caused by nerve recovery.

You are allowed to do "EVERYTHING" after the procedure, except for a few restrictions. Below you will find specific advice:

I now have a "lump" at the site of the cut with no redness or pain. Should I be worried?

No! It is always there, it is in fact some swelling of the muscles under the skin incision. This is however (more) noticeable with (very) skinny people, if you are a like most people you will see it less or usually not at all.

It will spontaneously diminish over the coming months.

Specific guidelines after discharge following a full endoscopic LUMBAL discectomy or decompression:

HYGIENE

Taking a shower is allowed, on discharge from the hospital a shower patch will be provided. With baths it is best to wait until the wound has healed completely.

MOBILITY

It is important to change your posture regularly. You may walk around, sit or lie down regularly. Long sitting is not recommended for the first four weeks. When sitting down, it is best to sit on a chair and allow yourself to sag a little. Sitting in a deep chair is not recommended. Do not twist your back, and do not lift with your back bent, it is important to bend your knees at all times. Do not lift heavy objects.

PAIN RELIEF

It is important that you take sufficient pain relief as prescribed so that you can move sufficiently. When you are discharged, you will be given a prescription for painkillers to take home with you, this is Paracetamol and Naproxène or Paracetamol and Targinact. Naproxène should be taken with the meal, if you get stomach problems it is best to take off this medication and/or take a stomach protector. If the post-operative pain becomes less intense, you can gradually reduce the pain relief, the intake of Paracetamol you take the longest of both painkillers, in consultation with your doctor you can also reduce it. In case of aversion to pain, no painkillers should be used.

THROMBOSIS PROFYLAXIS

You don't have to wear your anti-flebitis stockings at home anymore, because you don't have to sit or lie still all the time.

WOUND CARE

Before you are discharged, your wound will be disinfected and provided with a shower plaster. The wound is subcutaneously sutured; no wires need to be removed. The bandage does not need to be changed daily. If you have surgery on Monday, visit your doctor on Friday to change the bandage, and a week later you can remove the bandage or in case of doubt visit your doctor again. If you have surgery on Wednesday, visit your GP on Monday to change the bandage, and one week later you may remove the bandage or, if in doubt, see your GP again. If the wound, despite the pain relief, hurts, sees red and feels warm, contact your doctor or Dr. Van Daele, you may have a wound infection.

A BACKSTRAP

You will wear the support bandage during the day and this until the consultation with Dr. Van Daele. When you are resting flat and especially at night you may take off your support bandage.

DAILY ACTIVITIES

Using stairs is of course allowed and possible. Light housework is allowed. Please remember that you are not allowed to lift heavy objects. With gardening you will have to wait some time.

DRIVING A CAR

Driving with the car is no problem, but avoid long journeys in the car. You can drive the car yourself for short distances after one week. If there was a reduction in strength in the leg, independent driving is only started after consultation with Dr. Van Daele.

SPORTS

Walking is not a problem and it is recommended that you listen to your body. It is best to build up gradually. With bicycles you wait until you have been for a consultation (5 weeks post-operative). On the home trainer you can cycle a bit after 2 weeks without resistance. For endurance sports and contact sports, wait until after consultation, and certainly need to be discussed.

GENERAL REMARKS

Stop smoking: The healing process is (even) better and the risk of new hernias is reduced.

Striving for optimal weight: Less strain on the back, the risk of new hernias is lower. Pursuing a good physical condition:

Good back and abdominal muscles: they support and protect the spine, the risk of new herniations is reduced.