What to expect after day surgery

Before you leave the hospital
Your doctor will speak to you about the performed procedure and the follow up appointment
You should obtain a medical prescription from your doctor for pain medication

Anaesthetic Effect
Each individual may response to anaesthetic medication differently, even you might feel perfectly normal after surgery, the effect of administered drugs will still last for at least 24 hours. For your own safety, within the first 24 hours after the procedure, you

SHOULD NOT

  • Drive after your procedure (You should arrange transport for discharge)

  • Operate dangerous machinery or domestic appliances

  • Drink alcohol 

  • Take any sedative drugs

  • Stay near potential hazardous situations

  • Engage in sports, heavy work or lifting


It is NOT unusual to have the following experience due to the surgery and anaesthetic effect:

  • Nausea and Vomiting

  • Sore throat from intubation

  • Muscle pain or feeling tired

  • Bleeding, Bruising and Swelling

  • Difficulty to concentrate


These symptoms should dissipate as the anaesthetic effect wears off. However, if your symptoms are not improving or worsening, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible. 

Eating and Drinking
You are perfectly safe to resume your normal diet after the procedure unless specified by your doctors.

Medication
You can resume your normal medication after the procedure. If you take diabetic medication or anti-coagulant (blood thinning), you should check with your doctor before restarting these tablets.

Wound Care
Opsite which is a waterproof dressing will be applied over your wounds. You are allowed to have shower but avoid having excessive water getting onto the dressing. This dressing can be removed 7 days after the surgery while you are in the shower. 

If you notice any signs of infection of the wound such as redness, swelling, feeling generally unwell or excessive bleeding is leaking from the dressing, before your next follow up appointment with your doctors, please contact us or your GP for a wound check and dressing check.

Bladder and Bowel 
You should use your bladder and bowel as normal. Try to avoid constipation by drinking plenty of water and consuming enough fibres. You can also use movicol to assist bowel movements. Gentle exercises can be extremely helpful in getting your bowel moving therefore walk as you can tolerate.

Return to work/ activity 
You are allowed to return to work or your normal activities 24 hours after your procedure. Please check with your doctors for precaution or special instruction for activities after the surgery. ​​

​​Digestive Pelvic Floor Centre