General Surgery Post-op Care
When should I seek medical attention?
• Fever of 38°C and above
• Redness/swelling of the wound
• Excessive white/yellow pus or bleeding from the wound
• Reopening of the wound
• Seek medical advice immediately at the nearest polyclinic/emergency department if you see any abnormalities
Taking care of your wound
• Please keep your dressings clean and dry
• You may shower normally as the clear film of the dressing is waterproof
• Do not peel, rub off the dressing, or submerge it under water
• The dressing can be removed 2 to 3 days after your operation (unless otherwise instructed by your doctor)
• If the dressing pad gets wet, dirty or loose, go to the nearest polyclinic or General Practitioner for a change of dressing
• The stitches are usually removed 14 days after surgery (unless otherwise instructed by your doctor)
• No smoking
• Eat more healthy food such as vegetables and fruits
• Do not swim or soak in chlorinated water
• Do not apply any creams, lotions, solutions, topical medications or makeup to the wound
• Do not put pressure on the operated area and sleep on your non-operated side
Wound
Pus/discharge
Wound and dressing care:
Keep dry & clean
Change the dressing if the pad gets wet
Moderate bleeding is also normal
To be safe, cover with plastic when showering
Spots of blood are normal
Go to the GP or Polyclinic if there is excessive bleeding
Pain management
• The anaesthesia, in addition to providing pain relief, will result in the area being numb, weak or tingling after surgery
• Sensation will return slowly after 6-10 hours
• If severe numbness or weakness persists beyond 24 hours, please report to the nearest GP clinic or emergency department
• Take your pain medication as directed
• Avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking your medication
• Collect your medication from the pharmacy
Follow up appointments
• Your surgeon will review your recovery in 1-2 weeks for the histology report and to further discuss treatment plans, if required
• Our Patient Service Associate will give you an appointment date during discharge at the main reception of AdMC
• Keep to your scheduled appointment. If you have missed it, call to reschedule another appointment
• Follow up appointments will be at KTPH Tower C Specialist Outpatient Clinics or Admiralty Medical Centre Level 3 Clinics
Where to seek medical attention: You may contact our mainline at 6555 8000 for assistance during office hours.
In case of any emergency after office hours, please proceed to the Emergency Department.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group in the north of Singapore. It comprises Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Yishun Community Hospital and community extensions such as Admiralty Medical Centre and Wellness Kampung. Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg