Surgical Services

*Be sure to read your discharge papers for more detailed information!

NUTRITION:

• Gradually return to your normal preoperative diet.
• Fullness with meals is normal, so do not force overeating.

MEDICATION:

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

ACTIVITY:

• Proper activity promotes healing, return of muscle tone and less pain with movement.
• Walk indoors/outdoors much as possible.
• May go up and down stairs.
• Take frequent rest periods. Fatigue and tiring easily are normal following surgery.
• Avoid driving, if possible, for about 2 weeks.
• Avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activity, straining for 4-6 weeks, unless instructed by doctor.
• Light housework or yard work unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
• The doctor will discuss return to work and/or school dates.

WOUND CARE:

• Apply light gauze dressing if desired or drainage is present.
• Shower daily with soap and water, wash in the direction of the incision and dry well.
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs and soaking in bathtub unless permitted by the doctor.
• Any remaining sutures/staples will be removed in the office.

EXPECTATIONSOF SURGERY:

• 4-6 weeks is generally required for healing.
• Mild to moderate pain controlled by oral pain medicine.
• Minimal swelling and redness of incision. 
• Little or no drainage, unless a drain was used, then expect minimal to moderate bloody/yellow drainage.

CALL SURGEON IF

• Excessive bleeding or drainage occurs. 
• Excessive swelling or redness of incision.
• Temperature over 101 degrees.
• Unusual pain, nausea, vomiting or severe abdominal bloating with no passage of gas.

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