Parathyroidectomy is a surgery that removes your parathyroid glands. Your parathyroid glands are in your neck (usually on the back of the thyroid gland). They help to control your blood calcium and phosporous levels. Hyperparathyroidism is when one or more of the parathyroid glands makes too much parathyroid hormone in your blood. If this happens, you will need a parathyroidectomy. This pamphlet explains what a parathyroidectomy is, the possible complications with this surgery, care after surge…
Your nurse will check your hand and/or foot often for circulation (blood flow). They will check the colour, sensation (feeling), and movement. A list of questions to expect and information about what to do if you notice any changes in the colour, sensation, or movement of your hand and/or foot is included.
This pamphlet gives information about your care before and after surgery. Topics about getting ready for surgery include learning about the time of your surgery, dentures and oral appliances, glasses and contact lenses, hearing aids, personal care items, and valuables. Information about the day of surgery includes what to bring to the hospital, when to arrive, anesthetic, delays, the Same Day Surgery Unit, and surgery. Information about after your surgery includes the recovery area and nursing …
This surgery is called endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). It is needed when your tear duct is blocked and tears cannot drain. This pamphlet explains what to expect before, during, and after surgery. It includes information about pain, cold compresses, dressings, after care, and follow-up. A list of symptoms that require immediate medical attention is provided.
A spinal anesthetic is a type of anesthesia (freezing medication). It is used for surgeries on the lower part of your body (stomach and below). This pamphlet explains what a spinal anesthetic is, if it will hurt, if you will hear what is happening during your surgery, how a spinal anesthetic is different from a general anesthetic, the benefits and risks, if you can have a spinal anesthetic if you have a back problem, and if you can take pain medications with a spinal anesthetic. Information abo…
It is important to ask any questions you have when you meet with your health care team or any hospital staff. This guide includes some common questions about having surgery. Question topics include: understanding your surgery, getting ready for your surgery, what to expect during and right after your surgery, and what to expect as you recover. Write down your questions, and bring a pen or pencil to make notes when you meet with your surgeon. The French version of this pamphlet 1677, "Questions …
This pamphlet was created by the Cardiovascular Surgery Department at Nova Scotia Health to give you and your support persons information about getting heart surgery. It has information about what you can do before your surgery to help it go well, what will happen during your hospital stay, and what you can do after your surgery to have a good recovery. Topics include discharge (leaving the hospital) planning, your surgery timeline, your health care team, information about the heart and your su…
This pamphlet explains what to do after having urological surgery at Dartmouth General Hospital. Topics include food and drink, using the washroom, activity after surgery, driving, sex, and managing pain. A list of signs of complications is also included.
This pamphlet explains how to care for your sutures (stitches) after a minor procedure. Topics include incision (cut) care, pain, bleeding, infection, and activity. There is space at the end of the pamphlet for your health care team to indicate when your sutures will be removed.
This pamphlet answers common questions about care at home after surgery. Topics include: how you will feel, activities, what to eat, managing pain, dressing(s) care, driving, etc. Specific instructions are given for patients with sleep apnea, and patients who use CPAP machines. The pamphlet includes a list of symptoms that need medical attention right away.
This pamphlet provides specific instructions after carpal tunnel surgery for Dr. Pickett's patients. It reviews information about positioning, the dressing, follow-up, managing discomfort, and problems that need medical attention right away.
This pamphlet outlines what to expect as a general surgery, plastic surgery, and burn unit inpatient in Unit 4.2. The pamphlet describes all the members of your health care team. When your family and friends can phone you or the unit, as well as when they can visit, is outlined. The pamphlet explains what a normal day is like, and when meals are served. Other topics described in the pamphlet are TV, personal care items, parking, wheelchairs, and infection control. A list of nearby hotels for fa…
This pamphlet explains how to use CHG cloths to clean your skin before surgery. CHG is a liquid that kills germ (bacteria) and keeps more germs from growing. The pamphlet explains what to expect in terms of skin irritation and how the CHG will feel on your skin after it is applied. Instructions for showering, shaving, and using lotions, moisturizers, or makeup are listed. The French version of this pamphlet 1747, "Préparer la peau avant une chirurgie orthopédique", is also available.
Le présent dépliant fournit de l’information sur les soins à domicile après une chirurgie buccale mineure. On y traite de l’inconfort, de l’activité, des soins de la bouche, du contrôle de l’enflure et des saignements, de l’alimentation et des points de suture. Des coordonnées sont aussi fournies pour les questions urgentes et non urgentes. ; This is a French translation of the English pamphlet 0405, "After Minor Oral Surgery - VG Site". This pamphlet gives information about your care at home a…
Ce document explique comment utiliser des lingettes de gluconate de chlorhexidine (GCH) pour nettoyer votre peau avant une opération. Le GCH est un liquide qui tue les germes (bactéries) et empêche d’autres germes de se développer. Ce document décrit les sensations et les irritations cutanées que peut produire le GCH sur votre peau après son application. Vous y trouverez aussi des instructions pour vous doucher, vous raser et utiliser des lotions, des crèmes hydratantes ou du maquillage. ; This…
On the day of your surgery, you may be asked to give a urine (pee) sample for pregnancy testing. This pamphlet includes basic information about why you may need a pregnancy test, who is offered one, what will happen if you choose not have a test done, how to get ready for a pregnancy test, how a test is done, and what will happen after the test.
This pamphlet gives guidelines to follow after having a minor procedure at the Dermatology Clinic. Topics include incision (cut) care, pain, and bleeding. Symptoms requiring immediate medical attention are listed. Activity guidelines and information about stitch removal are also given.
Laser treatment uses a strong beam of light (laser) that can be focused to treat certain diseases of the retina. The 3 most common diseases treated with a laser are – retinal holes or tears, diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy), and other problems with retinal blood vessels. The pamphlet describes getting ready for a laser treatment, what will happen during treatment, and care after.
During an endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), your surgeon will put an endovascular stent graft in your aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. This pamphlet explains what an aneurysm is and how it is treated. EVAR is an alternative to open abdominal surgery. The pamphlet outlines the advantages, disadvantages, and possible complications of EVAR compared to open surgery. What will happen before, during, and after surgery is explained. A list of symptoms that requir…
This pamphlet gives information on managing pain after toenail removal, what to do if bleeding shows through the bandage, how to change the bandage, and when to contact your primary health care provider.