Post-Operative Care

Adequate pain medication will be prescribed. All patients, who go home on the day of surgery, will find that an assistant at home is a necessity for the first day. High bulk foods are highly encouraged after any surgical procedure and laxatives may be necessary to prevent straining associated with constipation.

Normal bathing is permitted immediately after surgery.   Patients will be encouraged to walk as much as possible at home after surgery as this will reduce the possibility of pneumonia or of clots forming in your calf veins.   The incisions are covered with Vaseline or other ointment three or four times a day to prevent the suture lines from dying out or crusts from forming.     The sutures will fall out or dissolve in a week or two, and no other care is required.   A sanitary napkin may be desirable for the first week or so to keep underwear clean.

Your first post-operative visit will generally be scheduled three to five days after surgery at which time the incisions will be inspected.