Going Home After Surgery

What happens after I am discharged from the hospital after surgery?

• After brain surgery, most patients are able to leave the hospital after only a few days. Depending upon your functional abilities following surgery, our physical therapists and occupational therapists will evaluate you.  In some instances, a short stay at a rehabilitation hospital near your home may be recommended.
• In addition to the discharge instructions you are given, it may be helpful to gather key information prior to discharge. It is important to determine which doctor(s) you need to see after discharge. A follow-up appointment with your neurosurgeon will be necessary to make certain your wound is healing properly.

What possible problems should I look for after surgery?

• You should call your neurosurgeon in the following situations: seizure, severe headache, worsening neurological problems, fever or chills, swelling of the ankles, bleeding or bruising, severe nausea or vomiting, and skin rash.
• If your neurosurgeon's office is closed and it is an urgent matter, call the UCLA page operator at 310-825-6301 and ask to have the Neurosurgery Resident on call paged. If seizures continue for over one minute or there is a serious medical condition, call 911.

Helpful Instructions (PDFs)

Discharge Instructions

Cranial

• Craniotomy
• Shunts and Endoscopic 3rd Ventriculostomy
• Endonasal and Skullbase Surgery
• Brain Tumor

Spine

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
• Microdiscectomy/Laminectomy
• Spinal Fusion
• Spine Tumor