Post-operative period

After surgery you’ll stay in recovery until you are stable and comfortable. From there you’ll be taken to the Intensive Care Unit or Ward (depending on the type of surgery you had). Nursing staff will monitor your vital signs and wounds and administer pain relief if required.

Your hospital stay

You will normally be in hospital for 2 days.

Your surgeon will check in with you, including checking your procedure via a scan, before you’re able to commence oral fluids. You’ll be on IV fluids to maintain hydration before this time.

During your stay you’ll be encouraged to get up and be active, with assistance from a physio or nurse, to avoid things like DVT and pneumonia.

Your surgical wounds

Generally your surgery would have been complete laparoscopically. You may experience some pain, tenderness and swelling of the abdomen; this is normal. The wounds will be covered with superglue dressings that allow you to swim and shower straightaway, and require no wound care.

You may also have stitch pain (caused by the anchor stitch under the ribs), shoulder tip gas pain, constipation or diarrhoea. If you have any swelling/inflammation, a temperature or the incisions are weeping/oozing or hot to touch, you may have an infection and it’s important to call us as soon as possible

Discharge

Prior to discharge you’ll be given advice by your nurse. It’s important to look after yourself in the post-surgery phase, and it’s helpful to someone to run errands for you for the first fortnight or so (school drop-offs, shopping, etc).

You can use your discharge medications, as prescribed, when required. Unless directed otherwise, you will continue with your normal prescription medications during this time. The only thing you can’t take is anti-inflammatories (e.g. Nurofen and Voltaren).