Nursing care of the patient undergoing lumbar spinal fusion

Abstract

Lumbar spinal fusion is a surgical procedure performed to join-or fuse-2 or more vertebrae in the low back. The procedure is done to stabilize the spine and prevent damage to the cauda equina and emanating nerve roots. Lumbar fusion is commonly indicated for patients with vertebral fractures, infection, or spinal tumors, and it may be appropriate for select patients with degenerative disorders and spinal stenosis. Nurses who care for patients undergoing lumbar fusion require an understanding of lumbar spinal anatomy, spinal pathology, surgical indications, and diagnostic modalities. Knowledge of the distinct surgical approaches and their respective advantages and disadvantages allows nurses to individualize patient care and be alert to postoperative complications. This article reviews clinical and research literature regarding lumbar fusion, with an emphasis on the role of the nurse in promoting a safe perioperative course.

The Effect of Computer-Based Training on Self-care and Daily Living Activities in Patients With Lumbar Discectomy Surgery

“…The computer-based lumbar disc surgery discharge training content was prepared by the researcher in line with the literature 4,5,7 for the intervention group patients. It was sent to three academics, three clinical nurses, and two surgeons in terms of scope and content.…”

“…2 For this reason, the training to be given to patients should be planned to cover all activities. 4,7 Patient education is important in maintaining the patient's self-care and the quality of life. 8,9 Patients have turned to information technology because healthcare professionals have less face time with patients due to increased demands.…”

“…The high self-care agency of the individual enables them to perform daily living activities 2 . For this reason, the training to be given to patients should be planned to cover all activities 4,7 …”

“…Pain after LDH surgery and limitations in activities of daily living can cause functional disabilities 4 . The main purpose of postoperative care is to enable the individual to gain independence because the individual's daily life activities in the postoperative period are affected by anesthesia, pain, and movement limitation 4,7 . In the literature, it is emphasized that recovery after LDH surgery can take at least 6 weeks and that patient education is important to reduce complications that may develop during this period 8 .…”

De-implementation of Urinary Catheters in Neurosurgical Patients During the Operation and on the Ward: a Mixed-methods Study Protocol

“…Monitoring the uid balance closely every 6-12 hours following transsphenoidal pituitary surgery su cient for ensuring early detection and diagnosis of diabetes insipidus (DI) (2,13,14).. After spondylodesis operations, there is no additional risk of uid disturbances, therefore monitoring a uid balance postoperatively is not obligated (15).…”