After Surgery

After surgery your surgeon will decide when you are ready to be discharged. Whether you are an inpatient (staying in the hospital overnight) or an outpatient ( going home the day of surgery), your surgeon or recovery room nurse will explain your postoperative instructions and answer any questions you may have. You should ask a friend or family member to assist you, to listen to your postoperative instructions with you, drive you home and help take care of you as you recover. Good postoperative care helps you heal quickly and safely. You should take care of yourself and follow instructions. Instructions by your surgeon or recovery room nurse will tell you the warning signs to watch for and when to call if a problem arises.

Once you are home you may experience pain, even from minor surgery. Everyone has a different pain threshold. Whether you are stoic or sensitive, take your pain medication as directed to stay comfortable. Pain medication allows you to be up and around which promotes healing, stimulates circulation and minimizes postoperative complications. Avoid drinking alcohol or driving while taking any pain medication since these medications can cause drowsiness. Constipation or nausea is a common side effect with some pain medication. Certain anesthetics may cause nausea and vomiting but nausea and vomiting related to anesthesia medicines should only last a few hours after the surgery. If these side effects become a problem please notify your surgeon. Should you still have pain after taking your pain medication call your surgeon because the dosage may not be adequate. If you feel too sleepy, dizzy or groggy the pain medication may be too strong.

Your surgeon may advise you to elevate your operative area (i.e., hand or foot) to prevent swelling and minimize the pain. You should keep your dressing dry since water can weaken sutures and help bacteria gain a foothold. Your instructions will tell you when it is safe to shower and you may be required to cover your surgical area with a plastic bag to keep it dry. It may be normal to have a slightly red or swollen incision. You should contact your surgeon if you have increased redness, swelling or a foul smelling discharge. A slight fever is normal the day of surgery but if your temperature remains elevated you should contact your surgeon. Some oozing and discharge from your incision from pink to dark red is normal but if the discharge is bright red and there is a great deal of it you should call your surgeon.

In an effort to minimize the occurance of perioperative nausea and vomiting, easily digested foods should be tried first (soup, toast, crackers, ginger ale, gelatin, etc.). Avoid fatty foods because they are hard to digest. You should drink lots of fluids since adequate hydration is important during surgery and anesthesia recovery. For outpatient surgery if you still have nausea and vomiting or diarrhea after twenty-four (24) hours contact your surgeon. Remember that it is important to get plenty of rest after surgery since you are likely to feel tired and fatigued. Most of your energy is used for healing, so plan plenty of time to relax as you return to normal activity. Read, knit, sleep or just take it easy. Deep breathing and coughing boosts your circulation, clears your lungs and lowers your risk of pneumonia.

If you are already taking medications for diabetes, heart disease or any other conditions ask your regular doctor whether your should continue taking them during your recovery. This helps to avoid any unnecessary side effects or drug interactions. Follow up care is a critical part of successful surgery and anesthesia. Your surgeon needs to assess your healing and see that you are recovering properly. You should be informed as to when to return for your first follow up visit or when to schedule the appointment. This appointment is often when you have your staples, stitches, tube or cast removed. Returning to work depends upon your surgery and the type of work you do. Your surgeon makes the final decision. Usually four to six weeks after major surgery and a few days after minor surgery are the norm. Even after you go back to work you may feel tired. Take it easy and try to rest during your lunch hour and evenings.

You should expect to receive a bill from your physician anesthesiologist just like any other specialist. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the bill for the anesthesiologist's professional services you should call the office of the anesthesiologist and there will be someone available to answer your questions. Hospital charges and medication utilized are billed separately but may be itemized as "anesthesia".