CRANIOTOMY:

You have a surgical wound that must be kept clean and dry and should be monitored for signs of infection which includes redness, fever, pain, or purulent discharge. Signs of a possible cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) leakage include but are not limited to dripping of clear fluid from either or both nostrils, increasing headaches when in upright position, and a salty taste and dripping in the back of the throat. Should any of these occur, the patient should contact the hospital service immediately.

2. Do not drive or operate any machinery while taking narcotics.  Additionally, do not drive until you are completely relieved of all post surgerical neck stiffness.

3. Do not take more than 4000 mg of acetaminophen per day and is informed that both Tylenol and Percocet contain acetaminophen.

4. Do not take any medications such as Aspirin, Aleve, Motrin or Ibuprofen for a minimum of 3 weeks after surgery as these increase your risk of bleeding.

5. Refrain from any heavy lifting (in excess of 10 pounds) or any strenuous exercise for a period of three months.

6. Your wound has staples in place.  These should be removed in approximately 14 days after surgery.  These should be removed by your primary care physician so that your wound can also be examined to ensure good wound healing.