Overnight Stays after Discectomy Surgery: What Patients Should Know

A discectomy is a common surgical procedure that removes part or all of a herniated disc to relieve nerve pressure and reduce pain. If you are preparing for this surgery, you may be wondering whether you will need to stay overnight at the hospital. This depends on a variety of factors, including your general health, the type of discectomy, and your surgeon’s protocol. In this article, you will learn what to expect regarding an overnight stay and factors that influence post-surgery care.

Understanding Discectomy and Its Types

A discectomy involves removing the damaged part of a disc in the spine that is pressing on nearby nerves. There are different types of discectomy procedures, with the two most common being traditional (open) discectomy and microdiscectomy. Here is a brief overview of each:

• Traditional discectomy - This involves a larger incision, providing greater visibility for the surgeon but typically requiring a longer recovery.
• Microdiscectomy - A minimally invasive option where only a small incision is made. The surgeon uses a microscope or other magnification tool to remove the herniated disc material, usually leading to faster recovery and a reduced need for an overnight stay.

For many patients undergoing discectomy, the procedure is often outpatient or same-day. However, some cases do require overnight stays, depending on specific factors. 

Outpatient Discectomy: A Growing Trend

In recent years, there has been a significant shift toward outpatient discectomy. This means you can undergo the surgery and go home on the same day. Outpatient discectomy offers several advantages:

• Faster recovery - By avoiding a hospital stay, you can start your recovery process sooner.
• Reduced risk of infection - Shorter hospital stays can reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
• Lower cost - Outpatient surgery is often more cost-effective than inpatient procedures.
• Increased convenience - You can avoid the inconvenience of a hospital stay and return to your daily routine more quickly.

Factors that Determine an Overnight Stay

• Surgical approach - Traditional discectomy may require a longer stay because it involves a larger incision and more muscle dissection. Microdiscectomy, by contrast, is often an outpatient procedure with a shorter recovery time.
• Anesthesia type - Both types of discectomy typically involve general anesthesia, meaning you will be fully asleep. Patients respond differently to anesthesia, and if there are any adverse reactions, your healthcare team may advise an overnight stay for monitoring.
• Patient health - Patients with preexisting conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues, may require overnight stays to ensure no complications arise. Additionally, patients with compromised immune systems may benefit from a monitored environment post-surgery.
• Age and mobility - Older patients or those with limited mobility may require additional care and observation to ensure safe recovery, while younger, healthier patients may go home the same day.
• Extent of surgery - If the discectomy was more complex, involving multiple discs or significant nerve compression, a longer recovery period may be necessary, warranting an overnight stay. Patients who have discectomies combined with spinal fusion surgery are often hospitalized for a day or two.
• Pain management needs - Some patients require specific pain management solutions, including stronger medication, that may need to be administered under medical supervision initially.

Preparing for Your Discectomy

To ensure a smooth recovery, it is important to prepare for your discectomy. Here are some tips:

• Discuss your options with your surgeon - Talk to your surgeon about the possibility of outpatient surgery and any factors that may influence your hospital stay.
• Arrange for transportation - Make arrangements for transportation to and from the hospital, as you will not be able to drive yourself.
• Prepare your home - Ensure your home is safe and comfortable for your recovery. Remove any tripping hazards and have necessary items within easy reach.
• Follow preoperative instructions - Adhere to your surgeon’s preoperative instructions, including any dietary restrictions or medication guidelines.

What to Expect if You Stay Overnight

If an overnight stay is recommended, here is what you can generally expect during your hospital stay:

• Monitoring and observation - The medical team will monitor your vital signs, pain levels, and any surgical site complications, such as bleeding or signs of infection.
• Pain management - The hospital staff will ensure you are comfortable, often using a combination of oral and IV medications to manage post-surgery pain.
• Assistance with mobility - Nurses or physical therapists may help you with short walks to assess mobility and gauge your comfort level moving around. This is particularly common after traditional discectomy, where stiffness may initially limit movement.
• Discharge instructions - Before you are discharged, you will receive instructions on how to care for your incision, manage pain, and gradually resume activities.

If You Do Not Stay Overnight

If you are discharged on the same day as your discectomy, you will be sent home with detailed instructions for recovery, including:

• Wound care - Instructions on cleaning and monitoring your incision, including signs of infection to watch for (redness, swelling, or unusual discharge)
• Pain management - A prescription or over-the-counter pain medication recommendation to keep you comfortable at home
• Activity limitations - Discectomy patients are advised to avoid bending, twisting, or lifting heavy items for several weeks. Gentle walks are encouraged to promote circulation, but strenuous activities are restricted.
• Follow-up appointments - You will likely need to visit your surgeon within a week or two to ensure your recovery is progressing well and to have your incision checked.

Preparing for Your Recovery

Whether or not you stay overnight, preparing for your discectomy recovery can help you feel more comfortable at home. Here are some tips:

• Arrange for support - Since activities like driving are limited post-surgery, make sure you have someone available to help with transportation, daily tasks, and errands.
• Create a restful environment - Have a comfortable, accessible resting area with all necessities within reach, including water, medications, and your phone.
• Invest in supportive tools - Consider using a grabber tool to avoid bending over or a cushion for comfortable sitting. These tools help you maintain post-surgery posture restrictions while staying comfortable.

Common Questions about Discectomy Hospital Stays

• Is it normal to feel discomfort after a discectomy?

Yes, discomfort is expected after any surgical procedure. Pain can range from mild to moderate and is often managed with medication. Microdiscectomy patients typically experience less discomfort and a faster return to daily activities.

• What if complications arise after I go home?

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fever, increased pain, sudden weakness, or any unusual symptoms at the incision site. Early intervention can address minor complications before they become serious.

• How long until I can return to work?

Discectomy recovery time varies based on the type of discectomy and your overall health. Many patients are able to return to light activities and office work within 2–4 weeks, though those with physically demanding jobs may need to wait longer.

Whether or not you will stay overnight after a discectomy depends on various factors, including the complexity of the procedure, your health, and your surgeon’s recommendations. Many patients undergoing microdiscectomy can return home the same day, while others with traditional discectomy may need to stay for monitoring. Knowing what to expect and preparing for a smooth recovery—whether at home or in the hospital—will help you feel more confident about the process and set you on the path to a successful recovery. By preparing for your surgery, following postoperative care instructions, and working closely with your healthcare team, you can optimize your recovery and return to your normal activities as quickly as possible.

Although discectomy surgery is a common and generally quite successful procedure, patients with a larger hole in the outer ring of the disc have a significantly higher risk of herniation following surgery. This risk is doubled if there is a large hole in the outer ring of the disc. Fortunately, there is a new treatment specifically designed to close the large holes that are often left in spinal discs after discectomy surgery. Barricaid is a bone-anchored device proven to reduce reherniations, and 95 percent of Barricaid patients did not undergo a reoperation due to reherniation in a 2-year study timeframe. This treatment is performed immediately following the discectomy—during the same operation—and does not require any additional incisions or time in the hospital. 

If you have any questions about the Barricaid treatment or how to get access to Barricaid, ask your doctor or contact us today.

For full benefit/risk information, please visit: https://www.barricaid.com/instructions.