Post-Operative Surgical Instructions
This is a general guideline of post-operative instructions to assist patients who have had surgery after a visit to the Emergency Department. Please follow any specific instructions given to you by your surgeon or by the nursing staff at the hospital. If you have any questions, please call the office at 705-472-2646 and speak with one of our staff members.
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Dressings: Immediately after surgery you will have some dressings covering the site. These can be removed after 48 hours following your surgery. Most surgical incisions do not require a dressing to cover them. If they are draining, or you feel more comfortable having them covered, you may use a dressing ensuring that it is clean and dry.
Incision: It is important to keep any incisions you have after surgery clean and dry. The best way to keep them clean is to take a shower, allowing the water and gentle soap to run over the site. After showering you can dry the area gently. Do not soak in the bathtub until the incisions are fully healed. Usually about 3 weeks. Do not put powder, cream, makeup, deodorants or perfumes on the incisions.
Sutures: Dissolvable sutures are typically used. If dissolvable sutures are not used, your surgeon will instruct you otherwise. There also may be some steri-strips. These will naturally start to loosen and fall off between 1 and 2 weeks. They can be removed carefully after 2 weeks.
Staples: If staples are used to close the incision site, they need to be removed within 2 weeks. Call the office to arrange an appointment, 705-472-2646.
Pain: There may be pain from the incision and surrounding area. Do not be alarmed if you are feeling pain from an area that does not appear to be directly under the incision. Your throat may also be sore for the first 48 hours after surgery. You may be prescribed something for pain; or alternatively you may also take Tylenol 650mg every 4 hours.
Diet: Immediately after surgery you may feel nauseated. Start by drinking small amounts of clear liquid. If you do not feel nauseated, you may return to a normal diet. Ensure you are drinking enough fluids to prevent any bowel problems. If you are concerned about constipation you can use a stool softener (Colace).
Activity: Activity limitation greatly depends on the type of surgery that you received. You are encouraged to continue to be mobile following surgery to help keep your lungs and bowels healthy. Immediately after surgery ensure that you are taking 3-4 small walks around your house every day and increasing activity as your pain tolerance will allow. Try to limit strenuous activities (such as lifting children, groceries, laundry, moving furniture etc.) and heavy lifting for 1-2 weeks post-surgery. Your surgeon can also give you a guideline on when you can return to work and regular activities. You may return to driving when you are no longer on pain killers and can comfortably use the gas / brake pedals and shoulder check.
Follow-up with surgeon: Your surgeon will give you instructions on when you should follow-up with them depending on the surgery performed. Call the office at 705-472-2646 to arrange that appointment.
Please call your surgeon or report to the Emergency Department if you experience:
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Rapid increase in swelling or bruising in the first 24 hours after surgery
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Fever
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Pus or increased drainage from the incision
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Pain that is not relieved with medication