Patient Surgery Instructions
Post Operative Instructions
- The medication which was used to put you to sleep or to relax you will be acting on your body for the next 24 hours, so you may feel sleepy but this will gradually wear off. Because the medication is still in your system you should NOT do any of the following:
- Drive a car, operate machinery, or use power tools.
- Drink alcoholic beverages.
- Make any important decisions, such as; signing important documents.
- You should rest for the remainder of the day because you have received sedation during your procedure.
- You may be given a prescription for pain medication by your surgeon. This should be taken only as directed. If it does not alleviate the pain, contact your surgeon. If your prescription is for an antibiotic you must fill it and take the medication as prescribed.
Medication Reconciliation: Resume all other previous medications unless otherwise directed by your physician. Take all medications as directed. - Do not use or resume using aspirin, ibuprofen or aspirin-like anti-inflammatory drugs for 72 hours. Resume all other previous medications unless otherwise directed by your physician. Take all medications as directed.
- If you take blood thinners regularly, be sure to check with your physician before resuming their use.
- You may follow a regular diet. If you are not feeling well, use your judgment, be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
- You are not expected to run an elevated temperature. However, if you feel warm, take your temperature. If it is elevated, then call your physician.
- If difficulty in breathing, nausea or vomiting, bleeding or other problems should occur after leaving center you should call your surgeon immediately, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Dressing Care: Keep clean and dry.
- You will need a follow-up appointment with your physician. Call if one has not already been made.
If any questions arise, please feel free to call Leon Surgery Center at Dadeland between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday at (305) 536-6479 or (305) Leon4SX. After hours, please call (305) 642-5366.
After My Surgery: Quick Reference Guide
Who do I contact if I have any questions?
Call the Leon Surgery Center at Dadeland between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday at (305) 536-6479. After hours, please call (305) 642-5366.
Call 911 with any emergency, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain.
Who explained my discharge instructions to me and my responsible adult companion (if present)?
Detailed discharge care instructions were given to you on paper and are located in an envelope with your belongings. Please thoroughly read them again with your responsible adult companion once you arrive home.
What do I do if I experience nausea or vomiting?
Your surgeon may have prescribed medication to relieve nausea called Zofran (Ondansetron), which you should take as prescribed. If more than mild nausea lasts longer than an hour or you are experiencing vomiting, please call (305) 642-5366 for further instructions.
What do I do if I experience bleeding at the surgical site?
A small amount of bleeding is to be expected at the incision site. If you are soaking through the dressing applied at the surgery center, please call (305) 642-5366 for further instructions.
What do I do if I experience any signs of infection?
Signs of infection include temperatures over 101°F, redness, pus, foul odors, or drainage. If you experience any of these symptoms, please call (305) 642-5366 for further instructions.
What do I do if I experience pain at my surgical site?
Follow your surgeon’s written discharge instructions provided to you. If you were prescribed pain medication, follow the instructions on the prescription. If your pain cannot be controlled, contact (305) 642-5366 for further guidance.