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, or irritate the stomach.

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 lessens pain with movement.
• Walk indoor/outdoor as much as possible.
• May go up and down stairs.
• Take frequent rest periods. Fatigue and tiring are normal feelings after surgery.
• Avoid driving, if possible, for about 2 weeks and resume only when comfortable with quick movements, twisting, etc.
• Avoid heavy lifting, exercises, straining, heavy housework and yard work for 4 - 6 weeks unless instructed otherwise.
• If the doctor orders an "abdominal binder", it should be worn as a snug fit for 4 - 6 weeks whenever you're up moving around to provide support.
• The doctor will discuss return to work and/or school dates with you at your follow-up appointment.
• Call the office for follow-up appointment(s) as instructed.

WOUND CARE:

• Remove dressings when instructed (usually 1-2 days).
• Apply light gauze dressing daily, if desired.
• If a plastic protective dressing is present, leave in place until you see the doctor.
• Shower or sponge bathe after 2 days.
• No swimming, hot tub or soaking in bathtub.
• Thorough cleansing with regular soap and water is sufficient.
• Follow the line of incision and dry well.
• Avoid constipation to prevent straining against the incision.
• Use a laxative if needed (i.e. 1-2 oz of Milk of Magnesia) when  constipation is present.
• Wear supportive briefs, or an athletic supporter to provide comfort.
• Do not wear pants that are fitting and/or rub the incision site to avoid redness, swelling & irritation to the incisions. Sweatpants and pajama pants will be more comfortable.

EXPECTATIONS OF SURGERY:

• Mild to moderate pain is normal, but if pain becomes too much we can provide a oral pain medication.
• Minimal swelling or redness of incisional area(s) is normal.
• Scrotum and/or genitalia area of the body may be bruised, or discolored.

CALL SURGEON IF:

• Excessive bleeding or drainage occurs.
• Excessive swelling or redness of incision.
• Temperature over 101 degrees.
• Unusual pain, nausea and/or vomiting.

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