After Your Operation

Following the surgery, while still in hospital, you will be cared for either in the High Care Unit or general ward. Initial post-operative care is centred on pain control and avoiding complications. Once you are stable and comfortable you will be mobilized from the bed with the help of a physiotherapist. The timing of the mobilization depends on the type of surgery you have had. The hospital stay may vary from 1 day to 1 week, depending on your surgery.

Water-resistant wound dressings are used to allow you to shower.

Most wounds are closed with subcuticular (absorbable) sutures, which do not require removal. In general, wounds do not require change of dressing once you have been discharged. The dressing can be removed in the shower after a few days. Exposing the wound to the air helps it to dry out. After 1 week there may be some value in applying Bio-oil to soften the wound.

It is normal for wounds to become a bit red in the week after surgery as part of the normal healing process. Wounds take up to 6 months to reach their final state. Increasing pain or redness associated with the wound or ongoing wound discharge needs to be reported to Dr Welsh.

Post-operative follow up appointments will be booked after discharge, either by the ward secretary or by the patient depending on the day of discharge. Follow up intervals vary between 2 and 4 weeks after discharge. Please contact the rooms directly if there any concerns or queries prior to the follow up consultation.