Post-Operative Care for Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
Postoperative Care for Artificial Disc Replacement How many days do patients typically need to stay in the hospital after artificial disc replacement surgery? What precautions should be taken in daily life after discharge? How long after discharge can patients drive to work?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Generally, the postoperative hospital stay is 2 to 3 days, focusing on wound care. The key point in postoperative care is to ensure that the cervical collar is worn properly. There are not many restrictions on daily activities. I usually advise patients that if the wound i...[Read More] Post-Operative Care for Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Right Leg Pain and Recovery Challenges
Post-operative pain in the right leg after spinal surgery? Hello Doctor: I am consulting on behalf of my mother. She underwent surgery on July 26 for spondylolisthesis at levels L2, L3, and L4. Before the surgery, she experienced significant pain in her left leg and lower back, w...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have right-sided sciatica. Please consult with your original surgeon, as it may be due to inflammation combined with blood or blood clots causing irritation, or it could be due to other reasons. If medication treatment is ineffective and X-ray results are normal, pleas...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery: Understanding Right Leg Pain and Recovery Challenges
Post-Surgery Complications of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Patient's Journey
Abnormal Conditions After Surgery for Intervertebral Disc Stenosis and Herniation Hello Doctor, I would like to consult you regarding my condition. I have been diagnosed with L4-L5 disc stenosis and L5-S1 disc herniation. On February 10th of this year, I underwent endoscopic deco...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello Xiaowen: Physical therapy can be implemented. However, you have already undergone two surgeries by other doctors, and the situation is more complex. The second surgery was 1.5 months ago. It is advisable to have a physician evaluate whether an MRI follow-up is necessary. Be...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications of Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Patient's Journey
Risks and Aftereffects of Craniopharyngioma Surgery: What to Expect
Surgical issues Is the risk of surgery high for a craniopharyngioma after a craniotomy? What are the potential postoperative complications?
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: Brain tumor surgery carries certain risks. I want to help you, but the information you provided is too brief for a professional neurosurgeon. I recommend that you have a thorough discussion with your surgical team preparing for the brain tumor surgery. The issues you are f...[Read More] Risks and Aftereffects of Craniopharyngioma Surgery: What to Expect
Post-Surgery Insights: Understanding Recovery After Disc Herniation Surgery
Postoperative care after disc herniation removal surgery? Hello, doctor. I am 36 years old and have a herniated disc. I underwent decompression surgery about a month ago (simple decompression). The pre-operative MRI is as follows: https://imgur.com/a/cEEz4Dh. My surgeon informed ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You have many questions after your surgery, but since Dr. Lai did not perform your surgery and I did not personally examine you, I will do my best to respond to you. (A bit of a doctor's curiosity: Who was your surgeon? If you were my patient, I would answer all your ...[Read More] Post-Surgery Insights: Understanding Recovery After Disc Herniation Surgery
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Endoscopic Discectomy Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26th, where a portion of the herniated disc at the L5 level was removed due to stenosis. I was able to walk the day after the surgery, but I am experiencing a tinglin...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You underwent endoscopic disc surgery on January 26th, and it has been about a week since then. You can start taking the discharge medications prescribed by your original surgeon. /// Are these symptoms post-operative complications? How long will it take to recover? Which ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Discectomy
Endoscopic Discectomy Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26th, where a portion of the herniated disc at the L5 level was removed due to stenosis and compression. I was able to walk the day after the surgery, but I am experi...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26, and it has been about a week since the procedure. You can start taking the discharge medications prescribed by your original surgeon. /// Are these symptoms a result of the surgery? How long will it take to recover? Which ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Discectomy
Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Endoscopic Disc Surgery Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26th, where the protruding portion of the intervertebral disc at the L5 level was removed due to stenosis and compression. I was able to walk the day after the surg...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: You underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26, and it has been about a week since the procedure. You can start taking the discharge medications prescribed by your original surgeon. /// Are these symptoms a result of the surgery? How long will it take to recover? Which ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery
Post-Discectomy Recovery: Understanding Symptoms and Timeline for Healing
Postoperative care for herniated disc surgery? I have a problem with disc compression, experiencing lower back pain, tightness in my left leg, and numbness in my left toes. Six months ago, I underwent a lumbar disc decompression surgery (L5-S1) without fixation or implant, just p...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: As you mentioned, it has been six months. If there is limited improvement, please ask the physician to arrange another MRI evaluation. Best wishes, Dr. Lai Chao-Kang, Director of Spine Surgery, Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Post-Discectomy Recovery: Understanding Symptoms and Timeline for Healing
Understanding Endoscopic Nerve Resection for Spinal Arthritis Relief
Endoscopic Spinal Nerve Resection Surgery I was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in my spine. The doctor informed me that undergoing this surgery could improve my condition by about 80%. However, since it is an out-of-pocket procedure and quite expensive, I cannot afford the...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. First, let me correct your statement; it is not "nerve resection," but rather "nerve decompression." The endoscopic spine surgery involves a smaller incision and uses an endoscope as a visual and working channel to remove the structures that compre...[Read More] Understanding Endoscopic Nerve Resection for Spinal Arthritis Relief
Understanding Coma After Brain Hemorrhage Surgery: Hope and Recovery
Coma after surgery for intracerebral hemorrhage? Hello doctor, my father had an accident at work on June 22nd where he slipped and hit his head. He was taken to the hospital for examination and was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage. An emergency surgery was performed, and the ope...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The location and size of the intracerebral hemorrhage, as well as the level of consciousness, will all affect the postoperative recovery of the patient. Without detailed medical history and imaging, it is not possible to answer this question.[Read More] Understanding Coma After Brain Hemorrhage Surgery: Hope and Recovery
Understanding Discomfort After Minimally Invasive Surgery with Coflex
Minimally invasive surgery with the implantation of coflex? It has been a month since my minimally invasive surgery, and I am still wearing a brace. I had two coflex implants placed at L4-5 and L5-S1. There has been improvement in my leg issues, but when I sit for a while, I feel...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: I apologize, but you are not a fellow patient of mine, and I do not understand your situation before and after the surgery. Regarding this kind of postoperative discomfort, I still recommend that you consult with the original surgeon. Wishing you all the best. // Dr. Lai C...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort After Minimally Invasive Surgery with Coflex
Understanding Post-Surgery Head Pain and Skull Replacement Timing
Cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) After surgery, the skull has not been replaced. The doctor informed that it will take three months to cover it again, as they need to observe the postoperative recovery. Currently, there are severe headaches, and the doctor mentioned that...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
The skull may not necessarily cause severe headaches if it is not replaced, as this varies from person to person. Typically, the skull can be replaced after about two months, but opinions may differ among physicians.[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Head Pain and Skull Replacement Timing
Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Should You Remove Screws After One Year?
Postoperative pain and issues related to the removal of spinal screws? I would like to ask you, I underwent lumbar fusion surgery at L4, L5, and S1 last year, where two support devices and six screws were implanted. After the surgery, I have been experiencing persistent soreness ...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. If it has been 6 months post-surgery and you are still experiencing <postoperative soreness in the lower back>, it may indicate poor fusion or other segmental pathology. 2. I recommend that you first consult with your original surgeon; if there is no improvement, ...[Read More] Post-Spinal Surgery Pain: Should You Remove Screws After One Year?
Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Choosing the Right Specialist and Treatment Options
Hyperhidrosis issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about which specialty I should consult for the evaluation of hyperhidrosis. I have researched surgical options, but I am hesitant to decide due to potential compensatory sweating and other postoperative issues. Addition...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. The causes of hyperhidrosis can be divided into primary and secondary; primary hyperhidrosis accounts for the majority and is mainly caused by hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system leading to abnormal sweating. Secondary hyperhidrosis is often due to condition...[Read More] Understanding Hyperhidrosis: Choosing the Right Specialist and Treatment Options
Preoperative Assessments for Hydrocephalus Surgery: What You Need to Know
Hydrocephalus Surgery Evaluation My father suffered multiple fractures due to a car accident and is experiencing issues such as double vision and hydrocephalus. Although his overall health is gradually improving, the symptoms of hydrocephalus are becoming increasingly severe. We ...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Before hydrocephalus surgery, a brain CT scan is essential to confirm the presence of hydrocephalus. As for whether a detailed evaluation is necessary prior to the surgery, it is theoretically required. This is because it relates to whether the patient's neurological deficit...[Read More] Preoperative Assessments for Hydrocephalus Surgery: What You Need to Know
Is Penetrating Bone Screws a Standard Treatment for L5-S1 Issues?
Lumbar vertebral screw penetration? I have a L5-S1 vertebral arch dissociation, but the intervertebral disc is normal, and I have osteoporosis with a T-score of -2.6. After a medical diagnosis, the doctor performed a minimally invasive cortical bone screw fixation at L5-S1. Post-...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: 1. It is true that some physicians may consider the patient's condition or their medical habits, which could lead to the screws penetrating the vertebrae. 2. Your postoperative symptoms may not necessarily be related to the screws penetrating the vertebrae. 3. We have...[Read More] Is Penetrating Bone Screws a Standard Treatment for L5-S1 Issues?
Post-Surgery Complications of Acoustic Neuroma and AV Malformation Removal
Neurofibroma with arteriovenous malformation? My husband underwent a craniotomy for a left-sided vestibular schwannoma on January 15. During the surgery, the surgeon discovered an arteriovenous malformation beneath the dura mater, which was also removed. The surgery lasted approx...
Dr. Zhang Junwei Reply:
Because I am unclear about the situation during the surgery, various circumstances can occur during a craniotomy. The fact that eight bags of blood were transfused indicates a significant amount of blood loss, which may have led to ischemia and hypoxia in some brain tissue, poten...[Read More] Post-Surgery Complications of Acoustic Neuroma and AV Malformation Removal
Post-Operative Symptoms After Anterior Cervical Discectomy: What to Expect?
Inquire about the postoperative sequelae of anterior cervical discectomy? Hello Doctor: My father is currently in his 50s and has experienced an inability to move his neck up and down or side to side. After visiting the hospital, the doctor recommended surgery, and he underwent p...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: A few individuals may suggest starting rehabilitation first. Wishing you all the best. // Dr. Chao-Kang Lai, Department of Spine Surgery[Read More] Post-Operative Symptoms After Anterior Cervical Discectomy: What to Expect?
Can Sympathetic Nerves Be Reconnected After Surgery?
Can the sympathetic nerves in the chest be reconnected? I underwent T4 sympathetic nerve resection for hyperhidrosis in June of this year, which has resulted in severe compensatory sweating and weakness in my hands and feet. After resting for three months, I returned to work, but...
Dr. Lai Zhaokang Reply:
Hello: In Taiwan, hand sweat surgery has been regulated for many years, requiring careful preoperative evaluation and approval from health insurance units before proceeding. This is due to the fact that many patients experience similar issues, such as compensatory sweating. If yo...[Read More] Can Sympathetic Nerves Be Reconnected After Surgery?