Preparing for Operation and After Care
Once you and your Doctor decide that surgery will help you, you'll need to learn what to expect from the surgery and create a treatment plan for the best results afterward. Preparing mentally and physically for surgery is an important step toward a successful result. Understanding the process and your role in it will help you recover more quickly and have fewer problems.
Abdominal Operation
If you are having Abdominal Surgery, remember the following:
Fasting - Have nothing to eat or drink (not even water) for at least 6hrs before your operation. You can take your regular medication with a sip of water.
Driving - Have someone available to take you home, you will not be able to drive for at least 2-3 weeks depending on the type of operation. You may need to check with your insurance company if they have any specific restrictions.
Physical Activity - You should not lift any heavy weight or strain (for instance do not visit the gym) for up to six weeks. As a guide you can lift a light objects like a single shopping bag or a laptop bag. You are encouraged to walk to maintain physical activity levels. You may walk and climb stairs afterward as much as you feel comfortable but you should not run or jog for 6 weeks
Arrange for someone to help out with everyday tasks like cooking, shopping and laundry. Put items that you use often within easy reach before surgery so you won't have to reach and bend as often.
Going Home From Hospital
The combination of anaesthesia, food, and car motion can quite often cause nausea or vomiting. After arriving home, wait until you are hungry before trying to eat. Begin with a light meal and try to avoid greasy food.
Wound Care
Suture removal after 10 days if you had non-disolving sutures used for your wound. Keep a simple dry dressing only (any standard plaster) and keep the wound covered for at least 10 days. You may shower with a waterproof dressing on but not bath for 10 days. Apply a simple plaster after the shower if the dressing peels off. Do not put any cream or powder on the wound. You may receive further advice before discharge.
Pain Control
Take your pain medicine as directed. Begin the pain medicine as you start getting uncomfortable, but before you are in severe pain. If you wait to take your pain medication until the pain is severe, you will have more difficulty controlling the pain.
Dietary Advice
You may commence a normal healthy diet upon hospital discharge. In the first two weeks following surgery avoid fizzy drinks and greasy food.
Follow–up
Please phone the office for a follow-up appointment to be scheduled as advised.
Weekend and out of hours urgent and non-urgent medical care
- Private Hospital Re-admission:
Please contact the “Emergency Bleep” holder only for urgent re-admission into the hospital if you are unwell. The bleep holder will not be able to help you with any medical query.
- Wellington Hospital
Tel: 0207 586 5959
- London Bridge Hospital
Tel: 0207 407 3100
- Private Hospital Ward: You may phone the ward you were admitted for your treatment to speak to a nurse for any minor medical query
- Urgent Appointment: For urgent Monday morning appointment for private consultation
Tel: 07801356007 at ?????? 8am or 9am? on Monday
- Dial 0845 4647 - 24-hours a day 365 days a year (NHS Direct)
If you are feeling unwell or if you have a non-urgent medical query, or would like information about another health related issue
- Visit web site for more medical information or to find your local GP/Pharmacist/A/E etc. www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
- For all UK/EU patients even if you had operation in a private hospital, you are fully entitled to any emergency/urgent care by your local NHS hospital/GP/A&E, walk-in and treatment centres.
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