Step 4. Post-operative Care

Plan your surgery  >   Post-operative Care

Immediately following your operation, you will be taken to the recovery suite for a period of observation. You will be woken from your anaesthetic and any immediate post-operative discomfort or nausea will be assessed and dealt with if necessary. Modern anaesthetics are much less likely to leave you drowsy or nauseated for a prolonged period but some patients are affected more than others.

When safe to do so, you will be returned to your room on the main ward. Your designated nurse will ensure that you are comfortable and have something to eat or drink if you wish. Day case patients who have had a general anaesthetic will be required to stay in hospital for a few hours after the operation. Local anaesthetic patients may go home almost immediately.

Your surgeon and anaesthetist will visit you after your operation and daily until you are ready to be discharged home. Any drains that were placed during surgery are likely to be removed before you go home. Dressings may also be changed if required.

On discharge, you will be provided with painkillers to use as necessary, an immediate discharge letter and details of your follow up appointments with the dressings clinic and with your surgeon. You will also be supplied with emergency contact details if you do not already have them.