Surgical Services

NUTRITION:

• Return to normal preoperative diet as soon as possible after the effects of anesthesia are gone.

MEDICATION:

• Return to any regular medications unless otherwise instructed.
• If needed, a prescription for pain will be provided.

ACTIVITY: 

• Resume normal activity as tolerable.
• Avoid driving for a few days until you are able to sit comfortably. 
• Avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activity for 2 weeks, but may perform light housework and light yard work.
• The doctor will discuss return to work/school dates. 
• No swimming, hot tubs or soaking in bathtubs until wound is healed! 

WOUND CARE: 

• Call the office for follow-up as directed by the doctor.
• Remove outer dressing as instructed (usually after 24 – 48 hours) and replace as needed with dry gauze dressing.
• DO NOT disturb packing. The doctor will remove it in the office. After packing is removed, shower as directed. 
• CLEANSE as vigorously as tolerable with soapy washcloth. Allow shower steam to thoroughly flush the incision.
• Gently pack dry gauze dressing into the wound cavity and cover with an additional dry gauze.
• Change the tape site frequently to avoid skin irritation.
• Keep wound edges shaved, if instructed by the doctor, to prevent hair growth and accumulation of bacteria in the wound.

EXPECTATIONS OF SURGERY:

• Expect some bleeding to occur during the first few dressing changes and showers.
• Mild discomfort to moderate pain is expected, yet if pain is intolerable an oral medications can be provided. 
• Blood tinged drainage. 

CALL SURGEON IF:  

• Excessive bleeding or presence of infected drainage.
• Excessive pain, redness or swelling.
• Temperature over 101 degrees.
   

IF OFFICE IS CLOSED and an EMERGENCY arises, please call 911 or go to the Emergency Department.  

A MISA surgeon can be reached by calling the office answering service at (309) 677-6019