Important Discharge Information for Patients
We know that going home after an important abdominal operation can be daunting and there may be many concerns you have surrounding your recovery and potential complications. Please be reassured that majority of patients recover promptly with minimal
issues. However, if you do run into some trouble, we are still here to help even though we have discharged you. This leaflet comprises of self-care tips, common issues encountered by patients as well as important essentials to watch out for.
Some pain and discomfort is to be expected following abdominal surgery. Regular paracetamol and ibuprofen are adequate in managing the pain until this lessens over the course of the days.
We may have provided alternative pain medication on discharge for some patients – please continue to use this as instructed. If pain does not settle or feels worse than usual please contact your GP or call the ward.
Your wound will still be healing as you are discharged from hospital. Please use the wound dressings and advice given from staff to redress your wound every other day. Wounds with clips will be
removed in approx. 10 days. Dissolvable sutures will not require any additional input unless they are still present a few weeks after operation, in which case present to your GP for removal. Please avoid showering with soaps on the wound.
DO:
Seek advice if you are unsure about your recovery - You know your body best and if you feel in more pain than usual or struggling with your wound then please get expert help from GP, Accident and Emergency (A+E) or call the ward.
Continue to walk after being discharged - This prevents blood clots from forming in the veins of your legs and pressure sores on your body from laying in one position for too long.
Resume sexual activity if able to - Please allow some time for your body to recover but once you feel able to, is appropriate.
Have plenty of fibre and fluid - This will allow prevention of constipation and straining as well as any urinary tract infections (UTIs).
DO NOT:
Do not drive in less than 2 weeks of your operation - You can start to drive when you can apply the emergency break without experiencing any pain. Best to avoid driving if not and inform the Driving and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA).
Do not undertake strenuous exercise / weightlifting in less than 6 weeks of your operation - This is extremely important as it allows us to avoid unnecessary strain and pressure on the abdomen to encourage healing, as well as reduce the risk of hernias forming.
Do not drink alcohol - Alcohol is avoided if you are still taking a course of antibiotics at discharge. Otherwise, please drink in moderation, if not at all.
Do not strain if you have constipation - Straining can cause some damage, so its best advised to seek help if constipation continues to occur. Some of our pain medications we supply may cause constipation so please seek advice from the pharmacist about laxative use.
RED FLAG signs to be aware of:
- Wound discharging green / yellow fluid
- Increased swelling and redness around wound
- New or increasing abdominal pain
- Increased / new onset nausea and vomiting
- Temperature
- Difficulty urinating or change in bowel habits
If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek help from your GP or A+E.
FOLLOW-UP appointment:
If a follow up appointment has been arranged, you will be notified of this in the post. Please ensure you attend.
