Make a follow up appointment with Dr. Sher / Dr. Sardinha for 7 – 10 days after your surgery.
To prevent hernia formation, do not lift more than 15 – 20 lbs for six weeks. Any other exercise will be discussed at your first post-op visit.
It is normal to have bruising and swelling in the area of the incision(s) after surgery.
A hard ridge or ball may be felt at the site of the incision(s): this is scar formation, and should disappear in 3 – 4 months.
Operative anesthesia, as well as post operative pain medications may cause constipation. Be sure to drink 6 – 8 glasses of H2O daily, and take extra fiber (Metamucil, Citrucel, Konsyl, Benefiber, etc.). 1 tbsp in 8 oz H2O 1 – 2 times daily. Do not take any laxatives, unless instructed to by our office.
It is ok to shower 24 hours after surgery. Pat Steri-strips dry when done.
Pain
- It is normal to have mild pain after surgery
- Occasionally, some patients will complain of achy right shoulder pain following a laparoscopic procedure: this is due to gas that is used to inflate the abdomen. It will dissipate with time, and is nothing to worry about.
Wound Care
- Keep the incision site clean
- Always wash hands before touching the incision
- It is ok to shower two days after surgery, but do not take a bath until steri-strips, sutures, and/ or staples have been removed
- Steri-strips may fall off on their own, or will be removed at the first follow up appointment: Do not remove them before hand
- You may have some increased sensitivity or numbness around the incision which is normal: Sensation should return to normal in a few months
Contact the Office in Case Of
- Fever above 100.4 F
- Pain that is increasing in severity
- Yellow/ green discharge or bad smell emanating from the surgical wound
- Heat or redness around the surgical wound
- Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
