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 …
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 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 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 : Instructions à l’intention de…
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.
A PEG tube is a type of feeding tube. This pamphlet explains why you may need a feeding tube and how the tube is inserted (put in). It provides details on how to get ready for the procedure, what to expect after the tube has been inserted, and how to care for your PEG tube at home. A list of symptoms that require medical attention, as well as where to buy supplies, is also included. A list of activities to avoid for 24 hours after sedation, along with instructions on checking your weight and or…
During breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty), a plastic surgeon removes breast tissue to reshape and decrease the size of the breasts. This pamphlet describes care after surgery. Expectations regarding discomfort, activity, nutrition, sensation, swelling, and bruising are given. A list of symptoms that require immediate medical attention are given.
An augmentation mammaplasty (breast enlargement) is usually done under general anesthetic. This means you will be put to sleep for the surgery. The surgeon will make a pocket between the chest wall and breast tissue. They will then place a saline or a gel implant into this pocket. This pamphlet explains what will happen after your surgery, including how to care for the incision(s), discomfort, and instructions about activity. A list of symptoms that require immediate medical attention is provid…
The medical term for the repair of a blocked tear duct is endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). This procedure is needed when the tear duct is blocked and tears cannot drain. This pamphlet goes over what to expect before, during, and after surgery. A list of symptoms that require immediate medical attention are provided.
This pamphlet gives guidelines to follow after having general surgery. Topics include activity, hygiene (showering/bathing), deep breathing and coughing, pain, nutrition, and wound care. Symptoms requiring immediate medical attention are listed. A website for further information is given. The French version of this pamphlet 2224, "Directives – Après une chirurgie générale," is also available. The Arabic version of this pamphlet 2225, is also available.
Ce dépliant donne des directives à suivre après avoir subi une chirurgie générale. Les sujets abordés sont l'activité, l'hygiène (douche et bain), la respiration profonde et la toux, la douleur, la nutrition et les soins de la plaie. Les symptômes nécessitant une attention médicale immédiate sont énumérés. On y propose également un site Web où trouver de plus amples renseignements. ; This pamphlet is a French translation of the English pamphlet 2223, "Guidelines After General Surgery". This pam…