Recovery
After your surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room until you’re fully awake and comfortable. You will be offered a light refreshment during this time.
We encourage you to rest quietly for the rest of the day or evening.
Going home
Your medical team will discuss with you your arrangements for leaving.
After general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic with sedation, please make sure you have arranged for someone to drive you home, as it would be unsafe for you to drive after anaesthesia or medication. We also recommend that you have a responsible adult with you for at least the first 24 hours after your procedure.
Most patients need to rest during this time and you may want additional care at home.
Before you leave, you will be given the following, please ensure you take these with you:
- Your discharge form, including instructions from your surgeon
- Any prescriptions for your recovery and any medications you brought with you
Follow up
The team will discuss with you:
- Making follow-up arrangements with your doctor as necessary
- Collecting your X-rays or scans (CT, ultrasound, MRI)
- Arranging for any rehabilitation aids, e.g. crutches
If you become unwell
After surgery, if you develop any of the following signs and symptoms, please call or visit your surgeon or GP immediately.
- Increased pain or excessive swelling around the wound
- Excessive bleeding or wound ooze
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fever or chills
- Chest pain and/or breathlessness
- Pain, swelling or tenderness in your calf or thigh
EMERGENCY CONTACT
In the event of a medical emergency, contact your nearest hospital or Accident and Emergency centre, or ring 111. If you have any severe pain or bleeding, go immediately to the hospital or Accident and Emergency, then contact your surgeon, GP or after-hours clinic.