WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE OPERATION?
Although you will be conscious a minute or two after the
operation ends, you are unlikely to remember anything until you are
back on your bed on the ward or in a high dependency unit. If you
have some nausea you must tell the nurse and you will be given some
treatment for this if necessary.
You may be given oxygen from a face mask for a few hours this is
routine.
WILL IT HURT?
There may be some discomfort post-operatively, you must tell the
nurse and you will be given either injections or tablets to control
this as required. If the discomfort/pain continues then you must
ensure the nursing staff are aware.
Due to the gas introduced into the abdomen during the operation
some customers may experience pain going up to the right shoulder
area, this is the gas used in the operation pressing on the
diaphragm (rib cage). This will ease when you are fully mobile.
You will be expected to get out of bed within a few hours of
your operation despite the discomfort. You will not do the wound
any harm, and the exercise is very helpful for you.
The first day after the operation you should be able to spend
more of your time out of bed in reasonable comfort. You should be
able to walk slowly along the corridor.
DRINKING AND EATING
You will not be able to eat after the operation until you have
been reviewed by your Consultant. You will be able to have free
fluids as tolerated. Once you start eating it should be small
portions of a 'sloppy' diet.
OPENING BOWLES
It is quite normal for the bowels not to open for a day or so
after the operation.
If you have not opened you bowels and feel uncomfortable ask the
nurses for advice.
PASSING URINE
It is important that you pass urine and empty your bladder
within 6-12 hours of the operation. If you find using a bed pan or
bottle difficult, the nurses will assist you to a toilet or
commode.
If you still cannot pass urine let the nurses know and steps
will be taken to correct the problem.
INJECTIONS
You will have tiny injections in your skin daily to help
circulation.
SLEEPING
You will be given painkillers rather than sleeping pills to help
you sleep. If you cannot sleep despite the painkillers please let
the nurses know.
THE WOUND AND STITCHES
The wounds have small dressings which may show some staining
with old blood in the first 24 hours. The dressing will be changed.
You can take the dressing off after 48 hours. There is no need for
a dressing after this unless the wound is painful when rubbed by
clothing.
The wound is held together with stitches which are dissolvable
or staples which require removing in seven days.
There may be some purple bruising around the wound which fades
to a yellow colour after 2/3 days, this is normal.
There may be swelling of the surrounding skin which also
improves in 2/3 days.
WASHING
You can wash the wound area as soon as the dressing has been
removed. Soap and water are entirely adequate. Salted water is not
necessary.
HOW LONG IN HOSPITAL?
Your hospital stay is usually 2 days. The nurses will discuss
with you about your home arrangements and to ensure someone can
collect you from the hospital.
SICK NOTES
Please ask the nurses for sick notes certificates etc.