POST-SURGERY INFORMATION

Recovery period After your surgery you will be taken to the recovery room. During this time you will awaken from the anesthesia. The nursing staff will monitor your blood pressure, pulse, breathing, and the area of the surgery until you are awake from the anesthesia. If you have received a local anesthetic only, you may be returned directly to your room. Otherwise, you will be returned to your room on a patient care unit when the anesthesiologist says you may leave the recovery room. If you are an outpatient surgery patient, after your recovery period you will be monitored until your doctor determines that you are ready to go home. At this point, your doctor and nurse will provide you with discharge instructions. Your family member or friend will then be able to take you home.

Intake and output After surgery, it's important for your doctor and nurse to monitor the amount of fluid that goes into and comes out of your body. Hospital staff refer to what you take in as input and to urine that you pass as output. Any liquid that you drink or that is given to you in the form of IV fluids will be measured. Your urine output also will be measured. Depending on the type of surgery, you may have a urinary catheter in your bladder that measures the amount of urine your body makes. You also may have drainage tubes in place at incision areas. These help fluid and excess blood drain from under the skin. A nasogastric tube (NG tube) may also be in place with certain types of surgery. This tube is put into the nose and stomach during surgery. It helps drain fluids from your stomach.

Pain and discomfort Many patients are most concerned about avoiding pain after surgery. It is normal to have pain in the surgical area. Pain medication is available, and you should take it when you feel you need it. If you had general anesthesia, your throat may feel sore. This is from the breathing tube that was inserted during surgery.

Incision Your incision is closed with sutures (stitches), skin staples, or clips, which will eventually be removed. Your nurse and doctor will check your incision and change the dressing as needed.

Deep breathing and coughing Following general anesthesia, it is important to practice deep breathing to keep your lungs clear. Your doctor may order breathing treatments for you. These involve using a device through which you practice taking deep breaths. You will be given instructions on how to use this device and will be reminded to take deep breaths. You may feel the urge to cough after taking deep breaths. Coughing is helpful in bringing up mucus. Your nurse will show you how to splint or support your incision when you cough so it won't be so uncomfortable. Avoiding smoking during the recovery period also is very helpful in preventing breathing problems.

Circulation To improve circulation after surgery, you will be helped up and out of bed. Do not get out of bed by yourself. While you are in bed, it is important that you change position and move from side to side, if your condition permits. You also will be encouraged to do leg exercises (pointing your toes, pulling your toes toward you, making circles with your feet), if your condition permits. Your surgeon may also order support stockings for you to help with circulation.

Food and nutrition The type of surgery you had will determine how soon and what type of food you will be able to eat after surgery. Generally, a liquid diet is ordered for the first meal. Then, if you are able to tolerate liquids, solid foods are added. Sometimes patients are not permitted to eat or drink anything for a period of time after surgery. This is true as long as an NG tube is in place. In this case, you will receive nutrition in the form of an IV.

Recovery at home Complete recovery from surgery can take from four to six weeks. During this time you may feel more tired than usual. It is during this time that your body repairs itself.

Activity Limit your activity by avoiding heavy lifting (usually no more than 10 pounds) or active work such as ironing, shopping, vacuuming, or driving. You usually can do light work, like washing dishes, cooking a light meal, climbing 10 to 12 steps per day, or taking a short walk on level ground in mild weather. You will receive specific activity instructions from your doctor and nurse before discharge. These instructions will be based on the type of surgery you had. It is helpful to take rest periods throughout the day as you recover at home.

Bowel function Try to avoid constipation and straining during a bowel movement. Drink plenty of water (at least eight glasses per day), and eat foods high in fiber, unless restricted by your doctor. These include fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Activity also helps relieve constipation. If constipation becomes a problem, call your doctor.

Diet Your doctor will tell you which type of diet to follow at home. If needed, a dietitian can help you with meal planning or diet restrictions.

Bathing Your doctor will give you specific instructions about bathing. Normally, taking a shower and washing your hair is permitted. Care should be taken when you are getting in and out of the shower.

Care of your incision You may have some mild discomfort in the area of your surgery until healing is complete. Your doctor may prescribe a pain medicine. You will receive specific instructions in the care of your incision as well as of any dressing, drains, or catheters, if you have these.

Discharge instructions You must have an adult drive you home upon discharge. Specific discharge instructions will be given to you before you leave the hospital. They will include detailed information about your condition. Be sure to make an appointment with your doctor for a follow-up visit. Remember that if you have any questions after you leave the hospital, you should contact your doctor. Also, call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms of infection:

• increased redness around the incision area
• increased pain at the incision site
• swelling in your incision
• drainage coming from or around the incision that looks or smells like pus
• bleeding from the incision
• temperature above 100°F