Post-Op Information
Please select the appropriate directions for your surgery and follow them directly.
We have carefully compiled information about diet, bathing, pain, activity level, and what to expect following your procedure. Follow these instructions for quick and complete recovery and feel free to contact us with any questions.
Surgery
You have just had an abscess drained. This procedure involves the opening of the abscess cavity through a surgical incision. The wound is then packed open in order to allow the wound to heal from the inside. This may take several weeks.
Pain
Upon discharge from the hospital, you will be given a prescription for pain medication. Because pain medication can be constipating, be sure to drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. It will also be helpful to take a stool softener such as Colace, Metamucil or Citrucel once or twice a day. If you are unable to have a bowel movement following surgery, a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia may be used. Being up and about after surgery is also helpful in regulating bowel function.
Wound
Because the site of surgery is infected, the incision is left open and allowed to heal from the inside. The dressing needs to be changed twice per day initially. A visiting nurse may be sent to your home if the wound is large or you are unable to change the dressing yourself. The wound will be followed closely by your surgeon. Depending on the size of the wound, it may take anywhere from 2-4 weeks to heal fully.
Bathing
It is safe to shower one day after surgery. Simply let water run into the incision and pat the area dry. It is important to let the water get inside the wound as this will promote healing. Please shower prior to each dressing change if possible.
Activity
You may resume your normal activities, including work within several days following surgery. Certain activities, such as lifting or reaching may cause some local discomfort to the incision area. This too will resolve given time.
Precautions
If you have a fever, unexpected pain, redness or increased discharge from the incision, please contact the office and speak with the nurse.
Follow-up
If you do not have an appointment, call the office after your discharge from the hospital to set up your postoperative exam about 1 week after surgery.
- Soak your buttocks in Epsom Salt sitz bath at least twice daily. Put a palm full of epsom salt in warm water and soak for 10-15 minutes. Epsom salt and sitz baths can be found at any local pharmacy.
- It is important to increase the fiber in your diet so that your bowel movements will be easier to pass. Things like bran cereals, whole grain breads, fruits, vegetables, salads and oatmeal are excellent sources of fiber. Alternately you can use Metamucil, Citrucel or Benefiber.
- Observe the “two minute rule.” Only sit on the toilet for a maximum of two minutes at a time. That means waiting until you are truly “ready to go” before you sit on the toilet. Also, do not bring anything to read with you into the bathroom as it lends itself to spending too much time on the toilet.
- You May use a DAB of Anamantle, Analpram or Anusol on the outside of your rectum after bowel movements, no more than the size of a pearl.
Preventing hemorrhoids is the most effective way of treating the problem. Make a high fiber and high water diet a part of your life style. It, also, would be helpful to avoid the following:
- Excessive squatting/sitting
- Pain killers and medications that bind you up
- Straining (pushing too hard) with bowel movements
- Sitting too long on the toilet (no more than two minutes)
Call us with any problems especially if you feel no better in a couple of days as these problems can be persistent and even “pop out” in other areas of the rectum.
This repair is performed by Dr. Reinhorn only – please see that site for current information
You have just undergone surgery to repair a hernia. This involves making a small incision in your lower abdomen in order to gain access to your hernia or hernias. From the inside of your abdomen, the hernia is pulled back out of the inguinal canal (the region in which hernias are formed) and a large piece of mesh is placed inside your abdomen in order to repair the hernia defect.
If your prescription was not mailed to your pharmacy before surgery, upon discharge from the hospital, you will be given a prescription for pain medication. Because pain medication can be constipating, be sure to drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. It will also be helpful to take a stool softener such as Colace, Metamucil or Citrucel once or twice a day, if you are constipated.
If you are unable to have a bowel movement following surgery, a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia may be used. Being up and about after surgery is also helpful in regulating bowel function. To minimize pain when you are moving about, support your incision with a small pillow or rolled up towel. Sleeping with a pillow under or between your knees will relieve stress on the incision area.
Incision
Your incision is closed using a number of sutures below the skin surface. When you remove the outer dressing (see bathing instructions below for when to remove the dressing), you will find a special ribbed tape covering the incisions. The ribbed tape will fall off on it’s own.
Male patients may find that your scrotum or penis will become discolored, and you may have swelling in the region of your hernia. This does not mean your hernia was not repaired. Female patients may find that your labia will become swollen and discolored. This does not mean your hernia was not repaired. This swelling and discoloration is normal and will resolve over the next several weeks to months. This swelling and discoloration is normal and will resolve over the next several weeks to months.
Bathing
You are asked to keep the outer dressing over the incision dry and in place for 1 day following surgery. On the day after surgery, remove the outer dressing. It is now safe for you to get into the shower. Be careful not to scrub at the incision line, simply let the water run over the incision and gently pat the area dry.
Activity
Following surgery, you are encouraged to do as much walking as is comfortable. You may climb stairs, taking them one at a time and slowly.
You are not to operate a vehicle while you are having discomfort or taking pain medication. This will interfere with your ability to drive safely. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume driving.
Lifting heavy objects and exercise is okay a week after surgery, but if lifting causes pain in your incision or groin, please stop. If pain persists, call the office and speak with the nurse.
Precautions
Although not commonly seen, any incision is susceptible to infection. If you develop a fever of 101 degrees or above, have unexpected pain, redness or drainage from the incision, please contact the office.
Follow-up
Please call the office a day or two after you go home to schedule your appointment for approximately 2 weeks after surgery.
You have just undergone surgery to repair a hernia. This involves making three small incisions in your lower abdomen in order to gain access to your hernia or hernia. From the inside of your abdomen, the hernia is pulled back out of the inguinal canal (the region in which hernias are formed) and a large piece of mesh is placed inside your abdomen in order to repair the hernia defect.
Pain
If your prescription was not mailed to your pharmacy before surgery, upon discharge from the hospital, you will be given a prescription for pain medication. Because pain medication can be constipating, be sure to drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. It will also be helpful to take a stool softener such as Colace, Metamucil or Citrucel once or twice a day, if you are constipated.
If you are unable to have a bowel movement following surgery, a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia may be used. Being up and about after surgery is also helpful in regulating bowel function. To minimize pain when you are moving about, support your incision with a small pillow or rolled up towel. Sleeping with a pillow under or between your knees will relieve stress on the incision area.
Incision
Your incisions are closed using a number of sutures below the skin surface. When you remove the outer dressing (see bathing instructions below for when to remove the dressing), you will find a special ribbed tape covering the incisions. The ribbed tape will fall off on it’s own.
You may find that your scrotum or penis will become discolored, and you may have swelling in the region of your hernia. This does not mean your hernia was not repaired. This swelling and discoloration is normal and will resolve over the next several weeks to months.
Some patients have discomfort due to the mesh that may persist for several months. This is normal and will resolve as your body adjusts to the plastic mesh.
Bathing
You are asked to keep the outer dressing over the incision dry and in place for 1 day following surgery. On the day after surgery, remove the outer dressing. It is now safe for you to get into the shower. Be careful not to scrub at the incision line, simply let the water run over the incision and gently pat the area dry.
Activity
Following surgery, you are encouraged to do as much walking as is comfortable. You may climb stairs, taking them one at a time and slowly.
You are not to operate a vehicle while you are having discomfort or taking pain medication. This will interfere with your ability to drive safely. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume driving.
Lifting heavy objects is okay, but if lifting causes pain in your incision or groin, please stop. If pain persists, call the office and speak with the nurse.
Precautions
Although not commonly seen, any incision is susceptible to infection. If you develop a fever of 101 degrees or above, have unexpected pain, redness or drainage from the incision, please contact my office.
Follow-up
Please call the office a day or two after you go home to schedule your appointment for approximately 2 weeks after surgery.
You have just undergone a minor procedure in our office. Your local anesthetic will likely wear off in the next four to six hours. We advise that you take one to two extra strength Tylenol tablets, about four hours after the procedure, prior to feeling any pain.
Pain medication
Your doctor may have also given you a prescription for stronger pain tablets. You may take those as needed after taking the Tylenol. You may also take Ibuprofen/Motrin instead.
Bathing
Your dressing is waterproof. You may shower as early as this evening. Please remove the plastic outer dressing two days after your procedure. Underneath the plastic dressing and gauze, you’ll see Steri-Strips. These are small and band-aid type dressings that will fall off on their own. If they have not fallen off by your two week follow up visit, your surgeon will remove them at that time.
Precautions
If you develop increasing redness, increasing pain or colored discharge from the incision, please call the office.
You have just undergone surgery to repair a hernia. This involves making an incision at the site of the hernia to return the content of the hernia sac to the abdominal cavity. The torn or weakened wall of the abdominal cavity is then repaired by suturing the surrounding muscle and ligaments and placing a synthetic mesh to reinforce the repair.
Pain
Upon discharge from the hospital, you will be given a prescription for pain medication. Because pain medication can be constipating, be sure to drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. It will also be helpful to take a stool softener such as Colace, Metamucil or Citrucel once or twice a day, if you are constipated.
If you are unable to have a bowel movement following surgery, a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia may be used. Being up and about after surgery is also helpful in regulating bowel function. To minimize when you are moving about, support your incision with a small pillow or rolled up towel. Sleeping with a pillow under or between your knees will relieve stress on the incision area.
Incision
Your incision is closed using a number of dissolvable sutures below the skin surface which are dissolvable. You may find that your incision is swollen following surgery and could have some discoloration which can extend down into the groin area. This does not mean your hernia was not repaired. This swelling and discoloration is normal and will resolve over the next several weeks to months.
Many patients experience areas of numbness around the incision as a result of handling the sensory nerve to the groin during surgery. This too will resolve with time.
Bathing
You are asked to keep the outer dressing over the incision dry and in place for one day following surgery. On the day after surgery, remove the outer dressing. It is now safe for you to get into the shower.
Be careful not to scrub at the incision line, simply let the water run over the incision and gently pat the area dry.
Activity
Following surgery, you are encouraged to do as much walking as is comfortable. You may climb stairs, taking them one at a time and slowly.
You are not to operate a vehicle while you are having discomfort or taking pain medication. This will interfere with your ability to drive safely. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume driving.
You are asked not to do any lifting over 25 pounds for the first four weeks following surgery. The doctor will tell you when it is safe to do more. If lifting causes pain in your incision, please stop. If pain persists, call the office and speak with the nurse.
Precautions
Although not commonly seen, any incision is susceptible to infection. If you develop a fever of 101 degrees or above, or have unexpected pain, redness or drainage from the incision, please contact my office.
Follow-up
Call the office to follow up in two weeks.
You have just undergone surgery to remove one or more lymph nodes in order to better stage your disease. This involves making an incision in your armpit or groin in order to remove the appropriate lymph nodes.
Pain
Upon discharge from the hospital, you will be given a prescription for pain medication. Because pain medication can be constipating, be sure to drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. It will also be helpful to take a stool softener such as Colace or Metamucil, once or twice a day.
If you are unable to have a bowel movement following surgery, a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia may be used. Being up and about after surgery is also helpful in regulating bowel function.
Incision
Your incision is closed using a number of sutures below the skin surface. When you remove the outer dressing (see bathing instructions below for when to remove the dressing), you will find a special ribbed tape covering the incision.
If your procedure was accompanied with a breast biopsy or wide excision of a melanoma, you will be provided with additional wound care instructions.
You may find that your incision is swollen following surgery and could have some discoloration. This swelling and discoloration is normal and will resolve over the next several weeks to months.
Many patients experience areas of numbness around the incision as a result of handling the sensory nerve to the armpit or groin during surgery. This too will resolve with time.
Bathing
You are asked to keep the outer dressing over the incision dry and in place for 1 day following surgery. On the day after surgery, remove the outer dressing. It is now safe for you to get into the shower.
Be careful not to scrub at the incision line, simply let the water run over the incision and gently pat the area dry.
Activity
Following surgery, you are encouraged to do as much walking as is comfortable.
You are not to operate a vehicle while you are having discomfort or taking pain medication. This will interfere with your driving safely. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume driving.
Precautions
Although not commonly seen, any incision is susceptible to infection. If you develop a fever, of 101 degrees or above, have unexpected pain, redness or drainage from the incision, please contact my office.
Follow-up
Please call the office a day ot two after you go home to schedule your postoperative appointment for approximately one week after surgery.
You have just undergone surgery to repair an incisional or ventral hernia. This involves making several small incisions at in the abdomen in order to return the contents of the hernia sac to the abdominal cavity. The opening is usually repaired with a plastic mesh in order to decrease the chance of recurrence.
Pain
Upon discharge from the hospital, you will be given a prescription for pain medication. Because pain medication can be constipating, be sure to drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. It will also be helpful to take a stool softener such as Colace, Metamucil or Citrucel once or twice a day, if you are constipated.
If you are unable to have a bowel movement following surgery, a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia may be used. Being up and about after surgery is also helpful in regulating bowel function.
Incision
Your incisions are closed using a number of sutures below the skin surface. When you remove the outer dressings (see bathing instructions below for when to remove the dressing), you will find a special ribbed tape covering the incisions. The ribbed tape will fall off on its own.
You may find that your incisions are swollen following surgery. This swelling and some discoloration is normal and will resolve over the next several weeks to months.
Bathing
You are asked to keep the outer dressing over the incision dry and in place for 1 day following surgery. On the day after surgery, remove the outer dressing. It is now safe for you to get into the shower. Be careful not to scrub at the incision line, simply let the water run over the incision and gently pat the area dry.
Activity
Following surgery, you are encouraged to do as much walking as is comfortable. You may climb stairs, taking them one at a time and slowly.
An abdominal binder is placed around your abdomen at the time of surgery. You are asked to wear this binder for two weeks.
You are not to operate a vehicle while you are having discomfort or taking pain medication. This will interfere with your ability to drive safely. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume driving.
You are asked not to do any lifting over 25 pounds for the first two weeks following surgery. The doctor will tell you when it is safe to do more. If lifting causes pain in your incision, please stop. If pain persists, call the office and speak with the nurse.
Precautions
Although not commonly seen, any incision is susceptible to infection. If you develop a fever of 101 degrees or above, have unexpected pain, redness or drainage from the incision, please contact my office.
Follow-up
Please call the office a day or two after you go home to schedule your postoperative appointment for approximately two weeks after surgery.
Surgery
You have just had a procedure to remove one or more hemorrhoids. This procedure involves incising the enlarged blood vessels which make up each hemorrhoid. A small packing is sometimes left in the wound and will fall out after the first bowel movement.
Pain
Upon discharge from the hospital, you will be given a prescription for pain medication. Because pain medication can be constipating, be sure to drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is also important to take a stool softener such as Colace, Metamucil, or Citrucel once or twice a day for the first month after surgery.
If you are unable to have a bowel movement following surgery, a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia may be used. Being up and about after surgery is also helpful in regulating bowel function.
Wound
If you have a packing it will fall out after your first bowel movement. If it does not, pull on the yellow rubber after your first sitz bath (see bathing below). It is not unusual to have some bleeding or spotting from the surgical site for several days after surgery. This should slowly get better and resolve on its own. If you have any concerns please call the office. If you become lightheaded, dizzy, or begin to bleed briskly, go directly to an emergency room or call an ambulance.
Bathing
It is safe to shower immediately after surgery. However we recommend that you soak the wound in a sitz bath twice a day for at least 20 minutes. You should do this for the first two to three weeks after surgery. This helps both with pain control and promotes healing.
Activity
You may resume your normal activities, including work, within several days following surgery. Certain activities, such as lifting or reaching may cause some local discomfort to the incision area. This too will resolve given time.
Precautions
If you have a fever, unexpected pain, redness or increased discharge from the incision, please contact the office and speak with the nurse.
Follow-up
If you do not have an appointment, call the office after your discharge from the hospital to set up your postoperative exam about 2 week after surgery.
Surgery
This procedure involves placing small rubber bands on enlarged blood vessels which make up each hemorrhoid.
Pain
Upon discharge from the hospital or office, you will be given a prescription for pain medication. Because pain medication can be constipating, be sure to drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is also important to take a stool softener such as Colace, Metamucil, or Citrucel once or twice a day for the first month after surgery.
Not all patients require prescription painkillers.
If you are unable to have a bowel movement following the procedure, a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia may be used. Being up and about after this procedure is also helpful in regulating bowel function.
Wound
It is not unusual to have some bleeding or spotting from the anus for several days after surgery. This should slowly get better and resolve on its own. If you have any concerns please call the office. If you become lightheaded, dizzy, or begin to bleed briskly, go directly to an emergency room or call an ambulance.
Bathing
It is safe to shower and bathe immediately after this procedure. However we recommend that you soak the wound in a sitz bath twice a day for at least 20 minutes if you are having pain. This helps both with pain control and promotes healing. You may add epsom salts for comfort to the sitz bath.
Activity
You may resume your normal activities, including work, within several days following surgery. Certain activities, such as lifting or reaching may cause some local discomfort to the surgical area. This too will resolve given time.
Precautions
If you have a fever, unexpected pain, redness or increased discharge from the surgical site please contact the office and speak with the nurse.
Follow-up
If you do not have an appointment, call the office after your discharge from the hospital to set up your postoperative exam about 2 week after surgery.
You have just had a laparoscopic appendectomy. This procedure involves the removal of your appendix through three small surgical incisions. This procedure was performed because you had appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix).
Pain
Upon discharge from the hospital, you will be given a prescription for pain medication. Because pain medication can be constipating, be sure to drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. It will also be helpful to take a stool softener such as Colace, Metamucil, or Citrucel once or twice a day if you are constipated.
Incision
Your incisions are closed using a number of sutures below the skin surface. When you remove the outer dressing (see bathing instructions below for when to remove the dressing), you will find a special ribbed tape covering the incision. The ribbed tape will fall off on its own.
Bathing
You are asked to keep the outer dressing over the incision dry and in place for a day following surgery. On the day after surgery, remove the dressing or BandAid. It is now safe for you to get into the shower.
Be careful not to scrub the incision lines, simply let the water run over the incision and gently pat the area dry.
Activity
Following surgery, you are encouraged to do as much walking as is comfortable. You may climb stairs, taking them one at a time and slowly. You are not to operate a vehicle while you are having discomfort or taking pain medication. This will interfere with your ability to drive safely. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume driving. You are asked to not do any lifting over 30 pounds for the first two weeks following surgery. The doctor will tell you when it is safe to do more. If lifting causes pain in your incision, please stop. If pain persists, call the office and speak with the nurse.
Precautions
Although not commonly seen, any incision is susceptible to infection. If you develop a fever of 101 degrees or above, have unexpected pain, redness or drainage from any incision, please contact my office.
Diet
There are no restrictions on your diet. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids in the days following your operation.
Follow-up
Please call the office a day or two after you go home to schedule your postoperative appointment for approximately two weeks after surgery.
You have just had a laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. This procedure involves removing your gallbladder. This is done through four small incisions.
Pain
If your prescription was not faxed to your pharmacy upon discharge from the hospital, you will be given a prescription for pain medication. Because pain medication can be constipating, be sure to drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. It will also be helpful to take a stool softener such as Colace, Metamucil, or Citrucel once or twice a day, if you are constipated.
If you are unable to have a bowel movement following surgery, a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia may be used. Being up and about after surgery is also helpful in regulating bowel function.
Incision
Your incisions are closed using a number of sutures below the skin surface. When you remove the outer dressing (see bathing instructions below for when to remove the dressing), you will find a special ribbed tape covering the incision. The ribbed tape will fall off on its own.
Bathing
You are asked to keep the outer dressing over the incision dry and in place for one day following surgery. On the day after surgery, remove the dressing. It is now safe for you to get into the shower.
Be careful not to scrub the incision lines, simply let the water run over the incision and gently pat the area dry.
Activity
Following surgery, you are encouraged to do as much walking as is comfortable. You may climb stairs, taking them one at a time and slowly.
You are not to operate a vehicle while you are having discomfort or taking pain medication. This will interfere with your ability to drive safely. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume driving. You are asked to not do any lifting over 30 pounds for the first two weeks following surgery. The doctor will tell you when it is safe todo more. If lifting causes pain in your incision, please stop. If pain persists, call the office and speak with the nurse.
Precautions
Although not commonly seen, any incision is susceptible to infection. If you develop a fever of 101 degrees or above, have unexpected pain, redness or drainage from any incision, please contact the office.
Diet
You may eat a low fat diet as soon as you get home. Reintroduce fatty food into your diet slowly over a period of weeks to months to allow your body to recover from surgery.
Follow-up
Please call the office a day or two after you go home to schedule your postoperative appointment for approximately two weeks after surgery.
You have just undergone surgery to remove the right side of your colon. This involves making several small incisions and one larger incision through which your colon is removed. The small intestine is reconnected to the remaining colon using a small stapler, or sutures. The abdominal wall is then sutured closed and your incision is closed with an absorbable suture under the skin.
The average hospital stay is usually 3 days and will be determined by how quickly your intestines resume their normal function.
Pain
Upon discharge from the hospital, you will be given a prescription for pain medication. Because pain medication can be constipating, be sure to drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. It will also be helpful to take a stool softener such as Colace, Metamucil or Citrucel once or twice a day.
Because the right side of your colon was removed, you may experience loose stools for several days or even months. This is normal and will resolve after the remaining colon does the job of absorbing water. Being up and about after surgery is also helpful in regulating bowel function.
To minimize pain when you are moving about, support your incision with a small pillow or rolled up towel. Sleeping with a pillow under or between your knees will relieve stress on the incision area.
Diet
There are no restrictions on your diet after this procedure. You may find that some foods are better tolerated by your body, and others that are not. Use your own judgment and stay away from foods that may irritate your system. If you find that you are constipated after you are discharge you may start to take Colace, Metamucil or Citrucel.
Incision
Your incision is closed with stitches which are below the skin. There are no stitches which need to come out. Over the incision you will find white Steri-strips. These strips will fall off on their own. If they do not fall off by the first postoperative visit, I will remove them.
Bathing
After your discharge it is ok to take a shower. Be careful not to scrub at the incision line, simply let the water run over the incision and gently pat the area dry.
Activity
Following surgery, you are encouraged to do as much walking as is comfortable. You may climb stairs, taking them one at a time and slowly. You are not to operate a vehicle while you are having discomfort or taking pain medication. This will interfere with your driving safely.
Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume driving. You are asked not to do any lifting over 25 pounds for the first 4-6 weeks following surgery. The doctor will tell you when it is safe to do more. If lifting causes pain in your incision, please stop. If pain persists, call the office and speak with the nurse.
Precautions
Although not commonly seen, any incision is susceptible to infection. If you develop a fever, of 101 degrees or above, have unexpected pain, redness or drainage from the incision, please contact my office.
In addition, if you experience crampy abdominal pain or worsening abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting call the office immediately
Follow-up
Please call the office to schedule your postoperative appointment for approximately 2 weeks after surgery. Call the office a day or two after you go home to schedule your appointment.
General guidelines
- Following a special diet after surgery is necessary for healing.
- Your diet will progress in stages beginning with liquids and slowly advancing to a soft diet.
- Eating six to eight small, frequent meals per day is recommended to ensure adequate nutrient intake and to prevent feeling too full (distention).
Tips for tolerating food
- Sit upright while eating.
- Remain upright for 20 minutes after eating.
- Sip fluids slowly. Avoid using a straw to prevent too much gas.
- Once on solids, chew food well and eat slowly.
- Avoid caffeine, carbonated beverages, and alcohol.
- Do not chew gum.
Stage 1 – Clear liquid diet
This diet will begin while you are in the hospital. It is recommended to follow a clear liquid diet for 3 days after surgery.
Food Allowed:
- Apple Juice
- Cranberry Juice
- White Grape Juice
- Broth or consommé
- Jell-0
- Decaf (without milk)
- Italian Ice/Popsicles
Stage 2 – Full liquids
After clear liquids are tolerated you may advance to full liquids. It is recommended to follow on this diet for 1 week. You may continue to include foods allowed on the clear liquid diet.
Food allowed:
- Milk
- Cream of wheat or rice
- Strained cream soups
- Ice cream/ sherbet/ custard/ pudding
- Yogurt (without fruit seeds)
- Milkshakes/ frappe
- Fruit and vegetable juices
Once on full liquids it is recommended to add a supplement. (Boost, Ensure, Carnation Instant Breakfast etc.) Specific amount of supplement can be reviewed with your dietitian.
Stage 3 – Blenderized diet
The next stage of the diet introduces additional food in a puree / smooth texture. Foods that are blenderized require minimum chewing to allow easier swallowing. You may continue to consume items allowed on clear and full liquid diets. It is recommended to follow this stage for 4 weeks.
Foods to add into diet:
- Pureed meats
- Pureed/blended casseroles
- Pureed fruit and vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked cereals, such as cream of wheat, oatmeal and rice
Tips when blenderizing foods:
- Foods may be easier to blend if you cut them into small pieces before placing them into a blender or food processor. After blenderizing, foods should be strained to remove chunks of food, seeds, or fibers.
- When blenderizing solid foods, mix an equal amount of the solid food with liquid. For example, blend one cup of cooked pasta with one cup of vegetable juice. If you are blending fruits or vegetables, you can use less liquid.
- Try to use blenderized foods right away so they will not spoil. Blenderized foods may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours or placed in the freezer.
Stage 4 – Soft diet
The final stage advances to foods that are soft in consistency and easily digested. Remember to chew food well. Continue with the soft diet until your doctor instructs on further diet advancement.
Food selections:
- Cooked cereals
- Cold cereals that soften with milk
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta/ noodles with sauce
- Soft cooked vegetables
- Soft canned fruit or ripe fruit such as bananas
- Scrambled eggs
- Moist tender meats with gravies
- Dairy products (yogurt without fruit seeds)
- Fruit and vegetable juices
Key items to avoid:
- Nuts, seeds and dried fruit
- Dry meats
- Crackers, breads
- Peanut butter
- Coconut
You have just undergone surgery to remove the right side of your colon. This involves making an incision in the middle of your abdomen and removing the right side of your colon. The small intestine is reconnected to the remaining colon using a small stapler, or sutures. The abdominal wall is then sutured closed and your incision is closed with staples or with an absorbable suture under the skin. The average hospital stay is usually 5 days and will be determined by how quickly your intestines resume their normal function.
Pain
Upon discharge from the hospital, you will be given a prescription for pain medication. Because pain medication can be constipating, be sure to drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. It will also be helpful to take a stool softener such as Colace or Metamucil, once or twice a day.
However, because the right side of your colon was removed, you may experience loose stools for several days or even months. This is normal and will resolve after the remaining colon does the job of absorbing water. Being up and about after surgery is also helpful in regulating bowel function. To minimize pain when you are moving about, support your incision with a small pillow or rolled up towel. Sleeping with a pillow under or between your knees will relieve stress on the incision area.
Diet
There are no restrictions on your diet after this procedure. You may find that some foods are better tolerated by your body, and others that are not. Use your own judgment and stay away from foods that may irritate your system. If you find that you are constipated after you are discharged you may start to take Colace, Metamucil or Citrucel.
Incision
Your incision may be closed with staples or stitches which are below the skin. If you have staples, they will need to be removed in my office approximately 10 days after surgery. If you do not have staples there are no stitches which need to come out.
Bathing
After your discharge it is ok to take a shower. Be careful not to scrub at the incision line, simply let the water run over the incision and gently pat the area dry.
Activity
Following surgery, you are encouraged to do as much walking as is comfortable. You may climb stairs, taking them one at a time and slowly. You are not to operate a vehicle while you are having discomfort or taking pain medication. This will interfere with your driving safely. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume driving. You are asked not to do any lifting over 25 pounds for the first 6 weeks following surgery. The doctor will tell you when it is safe to do more. If lifting causes pain in your incision, please stop. If pain persists, call the office and speak with the nurse.
Precautions
Although not commonly seen, any incision is susceptible to infection. If you develop a fever, of 101 degrees or above, have unexpected pain, redness or drainage from the incision, please contact my office.
In addition, if you experience crampy abdominal pain or worsening abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting call the office immediately.
Follow-up
Please call the office to schedule your postoperative appointment for approximately 2 weeks after surgery. Call the office a day or two after you go home to schedule your appointment.
You have just undergone surgery to remove part of your sigmoid colon and/or part of your rectum. This involves making one incision in the middle of your abdomen in order to remove part of your colon. The colon is reconnected using a small stapler. The abdominal wall is then sutured closed and your incisions are closed with absorbable sutures under the skin or staples. If this surgery was done as an emergency, you may have a colostomy or ileostomy. The average hospital stay is usually 5 to 7 days and will be determined by how quickly your intestines resume their normal function.
Pain
Upon discharge from the hospital, you will be given a prescription for pain medication. Because pain medication can be constipating, be sure to drink lots of fluids. It may also be helpful to take a stool softener such as Colace, Metamucil or Citrucel, once or twice a day if you are constipated.
However, because part of your colon was removed, you may experience loose stools for several days or even months. This is normal and will resolve after the remaining colon does the job of absorbing water.
Being up and about after surgery is also helpful in regulating bowel function. To minimize pain when you are moving about, support your incision with a small pillow or rolled up towel. Sleeping with a pillow under or between your knees will relieve stress on the incision area.
Diet
If your sigmoid colon was removed because of diverticulitis, you need to stay on a low residue diet until instructed otherwise (approximately 4 weeks). If your colon was removed for any other condition, there are no restrictions on your diet after this procedure. You may find that some foods are better tolerated by your body while others are not. Use your own judgment and stay away from foods that may irritate your system. If you find that you are constipated after you are discharged you may start to take Colace, Metamucil or Citrucel.
Incision
Your incision is closed with stitches which are below the skin or staples. If you have staples, they will need to be removed in the office about 10 days after the procedure. If your incision is closed with stitches, the incision will be covered by Steri-strips which will fall off on their own in the first two weeks. If they do not fall off, I will remove them in the office.
If you have a colostomy or ileostomy, you have already met with our skin care specialist and have received special information from her.
Bathing
After your discharge it is okay to take a shower. Be careful not to scrub at the incision lines, simply let the water run over the incision and gently pat the area dry.
Activity
Following surgery, you are encouraged to do as much walking as is comfortable. You may climb stairs, taking them one at a time and slowly. You are not to operate a vehicle while you are having discomfort or taking pain medication. This will interfere with you driving safely. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to resume driving. You are asked to not do any lifting over 25 pounds for the first 6 weeks following surgery. The doctor will tell you when it is safe to do more. If lifting causes pain in your incision, please stop. If pain persists, call the office and speak with the nurse.
Precautions
Although not commonly seen, any incision is susceptible to infection. If you develop a fever, of 101 degrees or above, have unexpected pain, redness or drainage from the incision, please contact my office. In addition, if you experience crampy abdominal pain or worsening abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting call the office immediately.
Follow-up
Please call the office to schedule your postoperative appointment for approximately 2 weeks after surgery. Call the office a day or two after you go home to schedule your appointment.
It is your responsibility to notify us of any changes in your insurance or you will be financially responsible for this elective procedure.
Week before the procedure
You must refrain from taking Aspirin products (Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve) one week prior to your procedure.
Day of the procedure
- Arrive one half hour before your designated appointment time.
- Eat a light breakfast the morning of your procedure (toast, coffee, tea).
Driving
You cannot drive yourself home after the procedure (this also means you should not take a taxi).
Prescriptions
Prescriptions are enclosed. Please fill these prescriptions and bring them with you. You will be asked to take them on arrival to the office.
Activity
You may resume normal activities the same day. You may start walking immediately. Intense walking may resume one week post-op.
Bathing
Remove the ace wrap in 48 hours. You may shower 24 hours after the procedure, but place a plastic wrap around the ace bandage. The steri-strips will remain in place for approximately 10 days.
Precautions
Bruising and tenderness are to be expected and will usually resolve in two weeks. You may feel numbness and pulling for 3-5 days post procedure which can last for several months. If you notice significant redness, swelling and pain, please call us immediately.
Follow-up
Followup ultrasound will be booked approximately one week post procedure. You will need a post-operative appointment with Dr. Sentissi in three weeks. Please confirm your appointment 48 hours in advance.
If you have any questions, please call our nurse, Brenda Kennedy in the office.