Discharge Instructions

If you have recently been discharged home following spine surgery by Dr. El-Kadi, you were given a packet of instructions.  Below, you will find electronic links to these instructions.  Your postoperative appointment with Dr. El-Kadi was given to you at the time of discharge.  If you were not given an appointment, please call 1-877-635-5234.

Any questions regarding your surgery or postoperative care should be directed to Dr. El-Kadi’s office.  Please call 1-877-635-5234.

Care of the incision

All incisions should be kept completely dry.  When showering, cover your dressing with plastic and tape.  Then after the shower, remove the entire dressing and place a dry bandaid or gauze pad over the incision.  Do not submerge your incision in water by soaking in a tub.  Your incision should be check daily for any redness, swelling or drainage.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding your incision, please contact our office immediately.

X-ray

Patients who have had spinal fusion require an x-ray prior to the first postoperative appointment.  A prescription was given to you at the time of discharge for this x-ray.  Please obtain these films 1-2 days before the appointment and bring them to your office visit.  If you did not receive a prescription, please call 1-877-635-5234.

Brace

Some patients require a brace after spinal surgery.  If you were given a lumbar brace, please wear if when you are out of bed, walking or sitting in a chair.  Cervical collars should be worn at all times, except when showering.  If you have questions regarding your brace, please call 1-877-635-5234.