Can I drive home from the
hospital after surgery?
Most patients will need to be
taken home and have someone stay with them the first night. Some
patients having relatively minor procedures under local anesthesia can
drive home. Discuss this with the doctor.
Will the doctor speak with my
family after the surgery?
Yes. If your family cannot wait
in the hospital, leave a number with the staff so the doctor can
contact them.
Can I take a shower after
ambulatory (Same-Day) surgery?
In most cases, yes. Discuss this
with the doctor.
When can I resume normal
activities?
As a rule, hernia and abdominal
surgery patients should refrain from any strenuous activity or exercise
for 6-8 weeks, to minimize the chance of injuring the incision. Patients
having minor surgery can resume normal activities in 1-2 weeks.
I have some bruising and swelling
around the incision. Is this OK?
A certain amount is not unusual
postoperatively. Call the doctor if you have any concerns.
I feel a firm ridge of tissue
under the scar. Is this normal?
This "healing ridge"
is normal and can take months to disappear.
What should I do if my incision
seems red/inflamed or begins to drain some fluid?
Call the doctor. This may be an
indication of infection.
What should I do if I get
constipated after surgery?
Inactivity, incisional pain and
narcotic pain relievers contribute to constipation after surgery. This
is usually relieved by walking, avoiding foods that are difficult to
digest and taking enough fluid by mouth. If this persists for more than
a few days, call the doctor for specific measures.
