Hi, You seem concerned about the lumber decompression surgery.
Most patients will remain in the hospital for 1-3 days after the procedure. During this period the patient will be given fluids and antibiotic medications intravenously to prevent infection. Medications for pain will be given every three to four hours, or through a device known as a PCA (patient-controlled anesthesia).
Most surgeons prefer to see patients one week after surgery to remove stitches and check for any postoperative complications. Patients should not drive or return to work before their check-up. A second follow-up examination is usually done 4-8 weeks after the lumber decompression surgery.
You can help speed your recovery by taking short walks on a daily basis, avoiding sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time, taking brief naps during the day and sleeping on the stomach or the side. You may take a daily bath or shower without needing to cover the incision. The incision should be carefully patted dry, however, rather than rubbed.
Normal results depend on the cause of the lower back pain. The mortality rate for a lumber decompression surgery is between 0.8% and 1%. Rates of complications depend partly on whether a spinal fusion is performed as part of the procedure while the general rate of complications following a lumbar decompression surgery is given as 6â7%, the rate rises to 12% of a spinal fusion has been done.
Hope this helps. Take care.