Patient ResourcesOperative Instructions

Operative Instructions

Comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative guidance to help you prepare for surgery and recover safely. Follow these instructions carefully — they are designed to optimize your outcome.

Pre-Operative Preparation

2 Weeks Before Surgery

  • Stop all blood-thinning medications and supplements including aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), vitamin E, fish oil, and herbal supplements — unless directed otherwise by Dr. Basques.
  • Stop or reduce nicotine use. Smoking and vaping significantly impair bone healing and increase the risk of failed fusion and wound complications.
  • Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.
  • Complete any pre-operative testing ordered by your primary care physician (blood work, EKG, chest X-ray, medical clearance).

The Day Before Surgery

  • You will receive a call confirming your arrival time — typically you need to arrive 2 hours before your scheduled surgery time.
  • Shower using the antibacterial soap provided or a chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) wash. Follow the instructions given at your pre-op appointment.
  • Do NOT eat or drink anything after midnight, including water, gum, mints, or coffee. This is critical for anesthesia safety.
  • Pack a small bag: loose comfortable clothing, slip-on shoes, your ID and insurance card, a list of your medications, and your phone charger.
  • Remove all jewelry, piercings, nail polish, and contact lenses before coming to the hospital.

Morning of Surgery

  • Take only the medications that Dr. Basques or the anesthesiologist specifically instructed you to take with a small sip of water.
  • Do not apply lotions, deodorant, makeup, or perfumes.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on after surgery — sweatpants or loose shorts, a zip-up or button-down top.
  • Leave all valuables at home. The hospital is not responsible for lost items.

Post-Operative Care

Wound Care

  • Keep your surgical dressing clean and dry. You may shower 48–72 hours after surgery unless told otherwise — cover the dressing with plastic and waterproof tape.
  • Do NOT soak in a bathtub, hot tub, or pool until your incision is fully healed and cleared by Dr. Basques at your follow-up appointment.
  • Steri-strips or surgical glue may be on your incision — let them fall off naturally. Do not pick or peel them.

Activity Guidelines

  • Walking is your most important exercise after surgery. Begin with short walks around the house and gradually increase distance each day.
  • No bending, lifting, or twisting (BLT) for the first 6 weeks — or as long as Dr. Basques specifies. This means no bending at the waist, no lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk, and no twisting your spine.
  • No driving while taking narcotic pain medication or until cleared by Dr. Basques — typically 2–3 weeks for cervical surgery and 3–6 weeks for lumbar surgery.
  • Use a grabber tool to pick up items from the floor. Set up your home before surgery so essential items are at waist level.

Pain Management

  • Take pain medication as prescribed. Wean off narcotics as soon as comfortable and transition to over-the-counter medications (acetaminophen as directed).
  • Ice the surgical area for 20 minutes at a time, several times per day, for the first 48–72 hours to reduce swelling.
  • Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) after fusion surgery — they can interfere with bone healing. Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead.
  • Constipation is a common side effect of narcotic pain medication and anesthesia. Stay hydrated, eat fiber-rich foods, and use stool softeners as needed.

Warning Signs — Call Dr. Basques Immediately If You Experience:

Fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C)
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage from the incision
New or worsening weakness in your arms or legs
Loss of bowel or bladder control (this is a medical emergency — go to the ER)
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Severe headache that does not improve with medication, especially after cervical surgery
Calf pain, swelling, or redness (possible blood clot)
Confusion, disorientation, or sudden mental status changes

Follow-Up Schedule

2 Weeks Post-Op

First follow-up appointment. Incision check, suture or staple removal if needed. Review activity restrictions and begin gentle range of motion exercises if appropriate.

6 Weeks Post-Op

Second follow-up. X-rays to assess alignment and early healing. Progressive advancement of activity restrictions. Physical therapy prescription if indicated.

3 Months Post-Op

X-rays to evaluate fusion progression (if applicable). Continued advancement of activities. Most patients are cleared for non-impact exercise.

6 Months Post-Op

Assessment of fusion healing and clinical outcome. Most activity restrictions are lifted for non-fusion procedures. Return to sport discussions begin.

1 Year Post-Op

Final follow-up with X-rays to confirm solid fusion or lasting implant position. Discharge from routine follow-up unless ongoing concerns exist.

Have Questions?

Dr. Basques and his team are here to guide you through every step of your spine care journey. Serving Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and all of New England.

Request a Consultation
Request AppointmentCall