General Surgery Post-Operative Instructions
Wound Care
If you have a clear see-through bandage over the incision, you may take a shower The bandage is waterproof
It is not uncommon for some reddish fluid to accumulate under the plastic bandage. This is no cause for alarm
After 3 days the clear see-through bandage can be removed. The date of your surgery will be arranged by our practice.
If you have a gauze bandage over the incision, keep it dry and clean You can remove it 48 hours after the surgery and can shower
If you have narrow white tape strips over the incision (steri-strips), keep it dry and clean for 48 hours After 48 hours you may shower Do NOT remove the steri strips unless they are almost falling o (If you remove them too soon you risk pulling the incision apart)
Staples or sutures are removed within 7-14 days after surgery. Some incisions have buried absorbable sutures which do not need removed
If you notice any extreme redness, swelling, or drainage coming from the wound, please notify our o ce.
Pain Medication
Before you leave the hospital the nurse will give you instructions about what pain medications to take Over-the-counter pain relief medications ( like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen) are usually su cient to treat your pain. A prescription for pain medication may be provided if required. It is important to tell your doctor of any allergies you have
Follow the directions on the label and from the pharmacist
Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach.
Do not drive or operative heavy machinery if taking prescription opiates
Some pain medications cause constipation It is important to eat a high fiber diet, or if needed, take a stool softener.
If you no longer need to take the prescription pain medication, you may take over-the-counter medication like Tylenol (Acetaminophen) or Advil (Ibuprofen)
Activity
It is important to have someone at home to help you after your surgery.
Rest when you feel tired or are in a lot of discomfort It is important to listen to your body
Walking up and down stairs is ok to do after your surgery
You may begin normal daily activities 24 hours after surgery as tolerated. Movement is important after surgery and aides in recovery Try to avoid laying down all day
Do not lift anything over 15lbs or as directed by your surgeon for first 4 weeks after your surgery
You may slowly resume a normal diet after your surgery beginning with liquids and progressing to a light diet as tolerated. Avoid spicy or gaseous foods (such as pizza and chili) directly after as they may increase chances for nausea
It is important to drink water and hydrate after surgery
Do not drink alcohol while taking pain medications after surgery.
Showering
You may take a quick shower the day after surgery Avoid prolonged periods of getting the wound wet Pat area dry after with clean towel
Do not take a bath or soak in bathtub until instructed by the doctor.
Drain Care
If you have a drain in after your surgery the nurse will give instructions before you go home on how to care for it
Empty the drain every 8 hours as needed and record the time and amount emptied. The drain may need to be emptied more often the first few days after surgery and gradually decrease in amount over time
If the drain container is full, it is important to empty it. Wash hands before and after touching the drain and keep the drain site dry and clean as possible
Please call our o ce at 295-1383 if:
Your temperature is 101 degrees or higher. It is not uncommon to have a low-grade fever after surgery
You have excessive redness, drainage/bleeding, or swelling from your incision site
If you experience severe bleeding, apply pressure to the area.
Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or jaundice occurs (yellow tint to skin or eyes)
If you are unable to reach our o ce or its after hours- please go to Emergency Room at the hospital. You can call them at 236-2345.
If any emergencies please call 911.
Follow-up
Please make a follow up appointment with our o ce as instructed by your surgeon Most follow up appointments are 7-14 days after your surgery. Please call us a day or two after your surgery to arrange
If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact us
Bermuda Surgery Team Phone: 295-1383
Email: reception@surgery bm