Post-operative Outpatient Care

After your operation, you will receive post-operative care either as inpatient or outpatient care. This post focuses on outpatient care.

You’ll be discharged one to three hours after your surgical procedure. Prior to leaving the hospital there are several important things to be aware of.

Watch the video below or Read More.

First, before you go into surgery, it’s important for you to arrange for transportation with your family, friends or by taxi because you will not be able to drive after your operation. The hospital is liable and will not allow you to drive yourself home.

Second, your hospital will have your discharge orders and a prescription for your pain medicine ready for you to take care of prior to leaving. Your discharge instructions will cover the following important issues; you should make sure you understand them fully before you leave the hospital.

• Your diet: This may range from liquids you can take to a soft diet to a regular diet. It’s important to know where to start and where to finish with your diet and what foods you can and can not eat.
• Your pain medicine: Pain medicine can vary with respect to strength of the medicine. What’s important is to know when to take it. We often tell patients they should take it before going to bed because it will allow them to sleep more comfortably.
• Ambulation (your ability to move about): Should you resume full activity? Or should you take it easy, and gradually move back into your full normal level of activity? You will be given instructions on how active you should be.
• Dressing care: You will need to know whether or not to remove your dressings, as well as, whether or not they are covered with a water-proof dressing so you can shower.
• Next steps: You should be made aware of when you will return to the doctor or hospital for follow-up care including care of your dressing.

Finally, you may or may not have an ice pack. Ice helps control and decrease swelling, but is only necessary for the first two days. So, don’t forget to make sure you know all of the above before you head home after your operation. • About Dr. Murray

Related posts:

1. Basic Skin Care
2. Skin Care Awareness ~ Health and Wellness Tip
3. The Basics of Skin Care ~ Health and Wellness Tip