Craniotomy Post-Operative Discharge Instructions

Post Operative Follow-Up Appointment

Going home from the hospital after brain surgery is both welcome and scary. You will be given individualized instructions upon your discharge from the hospital but some experiences are similar for all patients. For that reason, we have prepared the following general information to help you make the transition from hospital to home as smoothly and with as little anxiety as possible. Please call your physician’s office with any specific questions.

Activity

The first few weeks after you are discharged you may feel tired or fatigued. This is normal. You should become a little stronger every day. Activity is the most important measure you can take to prevent complications and to begin to feel like yourself again. You will be given individualized instructions before you go home, but in general:

	Follow the activity instructions given to you by your doctor and therapist.
	Increase your activity slowly, do not do too much because you are feeling good.
	You may resume sexual activity as your tolerance allows.
	If you feel light headed or fatigued after increasing activity, rest, decrease the amount of activity that you do, and begin building your tolerance to activity more slowly.
	DO NOT DRIVE until you speak with your physician.
	Do not lift objects over 10 pounds until approved by your physician.
	Avoid any activity that causes you to hold your breath and push, for example weight lifting, lifting or moving heavy objects, or straining at stool.

Incision Care

You or a family member should inspect your wound every day and report any of the following problems to your physician. You will be given individualized instructions about caring for your wound before you go home. In general:

	Notify your physician immediately if you notice redness, swelling, or drainage from your incision, or if you experience increased pain around your incision or separation of wound edges.
	Keep your incision clean and dry.
	You may wash your hair with a mild shampoo 24 hours after your sutures are removed.*
	Do Not apply any lotions, ointments or other products to your incision unless directed by your physician.
	Sutures or staples are usually removed 7-10 days after surgery. You should be given an appointment to have your sutures or staples removed when you are discharged. If not, call your CINN Outpatient Clinic to arrange an appointment. Although we try to be thorough, we may miss hidden sutures or staples. Be sure to point out any incisions which may be covered by clothing at the time of suture/staple removal.
	If different instructions are given to you by your physician follow those instructions. Each person’s care may be slightly different.

Diet

Usually no special diet is prescribed after a craniotomy. A normal well balanced diet is recommended for recovery, and you should resume any specially prescribed diet you were eating before your surgery. Your nurse will inform you of any special dietary restrictions or needs before you leave the hospital.

Medications

You will be given a list of medications and prescriptions you are to take after leaving the hospital. Your nurse will explain to you why you are taking each medication, and how to take it. Be sure that you understand these instructions. Ask questions as necessary. Please see the medication section of this booklet for specific medication information and hints about taking your medications.

Two Important Points

	If you were taking any medications before your surgery and they were not prescribed to you at discharge, please contact your physician to determine whether or not you should still be taking them.
	You should avoid constipation. A well balanced diet and normal activity will help avoid this. If you do become constipated you may take over the counter medications. If you are unsure about what to take, please contact your physician.

Follow Up Care

Speech, occupational, or physical therapies, or behavioral medicine follow up may be ordered as part of your recovery program. Throughout your hospitalization, the therapists and social workers will help you plan for this possibility. Upon discharge you will be given specific instructions and prescriptions for these therapies.

You will have a follow up appointment with your physician 2 to 4 weeks after your discharge. In most instances the clinic will call you to arrange your appointment and any follow-up scans which may be needed. If you have not heard from the clinic within one week from your discharge date, call them to set up an appointment.

When to call your physician

With any surgery there are risks of complications. Although your surgery is over, there is the possibility of some of these complications developing. These complications include: infection, blood clots, or neurological changes. Call your Physician Immediately if you Experience:

	Confusion, fainting, blacking out, extreme fatigue, memory loss, or difficulty speaking.
	Double, or blurred vision. Loss of vision, either partial or total.
	Hallucinations
	Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your extremities or face.
	Stiff neck, and/or a fever of 101ØF or more.
	Severe sensitivity to light. (Photophobia)
	Severe headache or change in headache.
	Seizure
	Problems controlling your bowels or bladder.
	Productive cough with yellow or green sputum.
	Swelling, redness, or tenderness in your calf or thigh.
	Sudden onset of anything else that does not seem or feel right.

Call 911 or go to the Nearest Emergency Room if you Experience:

	Sudden difficulty in breathing.
	New onset of seizure or change in seizure, or seizure from which you wake up confused.
	A seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes.

A Healthy Recovery

Rest, proper nutrition, and a positive attitude will promote healing, but recovery does take time and patience. You may find that talking to someone or attending a support group will help. Your nurse has a list of associations, organizations or support groups that you may find helpful to you and your family. Please see the resource section of this book or ask your nurse for more information.

Remember, ask your nurse or physician if you have any questions or if you do not understand any instructions. You may also call the CINN clinic with any questions.