Surgical Services

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

NUTRITION:

• Resume normal pre-operative diet after effects of anesthesia are gone.
• Avoid any foods that make you constipated.

MEDICATION:

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

ACTIVITY:

• Due to the nature of this surgery, there is less restriction on your activity post-operatively.
• There is little possibility of injury, or complication, at wound sites since it is a “puncture” wounds rather than actual “incisions”.
• Proper activity promotes healing.
• Walk indoors/outdoors as much as possible.
• You may resume being physically active that consists of: yard work, sports, lifting, and all daily living activities as soon as you feel able.
• You may drive when pain free and off prescription pain medicine.
• Realize that you will still have some degree of discomfort following surgery and try to base your activity on what you can comfortably tolerate.
• This type of surgery will require less time off work, usually no more than 1 - 2 weeks. The doctor will discuss this with you.
• Avoid constipation.  Consume higher fibrous foods and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation. If constipation occurs, take a laxative (i.e. take 1-2 ounces Milk of Magnesia.

WOUND CARE:

• You will go home with band-aids and steristrips covering your abdominal puncture sites.
• Keep the wounds as clean and dry as possible.
• Shower daily and clean site with soap and water.
• The band-aids may be removed after 2 days after the operation, but the steristrips should remain in place until your follow-up appointment.
• The sterilizing medicine on the skin will wear off.
• Cover the areas only if you notice any drainage coming from the site.
• There will be no stitches to remove.
• Wear supportive briefs, or athletic supporters.
• Do not wear pants that are fitting and/or rub the incision site to avoid  irritation to the incisions. Sweatpants and pajama pants will be more comfortable.

EXPECTATIONS OF SURGERY:

• Temporary pain in one or both shoulders related to retention of small amounts of gas. This will go away on its own within a few days.
• Mild to moderate pain associated with abdominal punctures and in the groin/lower abdomen but controlled by oral pain medication.
• Little or no drainage from abdominal puncture sites.
• Scrotum and/or genitalia may be bruised/discolored and slightly swollen.

CALL SURGEON IF:

• Evidence of bleeding or unusual drainage is noted.
• Swelling, redness or obvious infection of abdominal wounds.
• Temperature over 101 degrees.
• Unusual pain, nausea and/or vomiting, abdominal bloating or inability to pass gas or move bowels.

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