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 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.
This guide will help you learn how to care for yourself safely before and after day surgery for a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. Topics include getting ready for surgery, what will happen on the day of surgery, what will happen right after surgery, and care at home. Things to avoid for 2 weeks after your surgery, activity, and bleeding are also covered. The French version of this pamphlet 2099, "Amygdalectomie et adénoïdectomie", is also available.
Definitions of the following nose surgeries are given: nasal polypectomy, septoplasty, and septorhinoplasty. This pamphlet explains what will happen right after surgery and gives information on care at home, safety, and discomfort. The pamphlet explains when to contact your primary health care provider and what to do if you have slight bleeding. If bleeding does not stop, go to the nearest Emergency Department.
This pamphlet provides information about your care before and after a day surgery procedure. Topics about preparing include: arriving early, what to bring, and the anesthetic. The pamphlet also describes what to do about hygiene, medications, smoking, dentures, glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, valuables, and jewelry. What will happen in the pre-operative room, operating room, recovery area, post-recovery area, and when you go home are described. The French version of this pamphlet 1537, "…
This pamphlet gives information about your care at home after minor oral surgery. Topics include discomfort, activity, mouth care, controlling bleeding and swelling, food, and stitches. Contact numbers for urgent and non-urgent questions are included. The French version of this pamphlet 1727, "Après une chirurgie buccale mineure", is also available.
A Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) may be recommended if a person is a potential candidate for heart transplant. The VAD acts like the heart’s ventricle by pumping blood throughout the body. The pump has an external power source. This pamphlet describes the types of VADs, implanting a VAD, risks of surgery, and what to expect after surgery. The French version of this pamphlet 1853, "Dispositifs d’assistance ventriculaire (DAV)", is also available.
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…
This pamphlet reviews what to expect before, during and after surgery for the insertion of a peritoneal dialysis catheter. Information includes how to get your bowels ready for surgery, what to bring to the hospital on the day of surgery, care of your incision/exit site and keeping your bowels regular after surgery. Information about peritoneal dialysis teaching is also provided.
Capsule endoscopy is an exam of the digestive tract that involves swallowing a capsule containing a camera and light. How to prepare for the test, as well as what to expect during and after the test are reviewed. Common risks of the test are also provided. The French version of this pamphlet 1854, "Endoscopie par capsule", is also available.
This pamphlet provides guidelines for the first 4 weeks (1 month) after bowel surgery. They will help with your healing, comfort, and bowel function. Foods that are best tolerated and foods to avoid are listed.
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…
This pamphlet provides information about your care before and after surgery. Topics about preparing for surgery include: confirming the time of surgery, anesthetic, possible delays, medicines, smoking, personal care items, and valuables. After surgery we have described: recovery area, nursing unit, control of discomfort, deep breathing and coughing exercises, feet and leg exercises, nutrition, and visiting hours. Instructions for specific types of surgery will be discussed with you. The French …
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 describes what to expect after general surgery at the Dartmouth General Hospital. Topics described in the pamphlet include: followup visits (when to call your surgeon), wound care, showering, limits on physical activity (such as driving, lifting, and sexual activity), and controlling pain. A list of symptoms that require immediate medical attention is also provided. The French version of this pamphlet 2110, "Après votre intervention de chirurgie générale : ce que vous devez savoir…
This pamphlet will answer some of your questions about your care at home after orthopedic day surgery. Topics include: how you will feel, things you can do to help yourself, what you can eat, pain, driving, returning to work, having sex again, and activity instructions. Specific instructions are given for patients with sleep apnea and patients who use CPAP machines. It offers a checklist of activities and specific instructions for dressing care and stitches or staples. Instructions for bleeding…
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 provides information about what to expect after having surgery to remove teeth. Pain and discomfort, controlling bleeding and swelling, what to expect with swallowing and opening your mouth wide, bruising, feeling unwell and having a fever, hygiene/mouth care, eating guidelines, signs of infection, stitches, sedation and anesthesia, activity, smoking, and what to do if you have a dry socket are discussed. Contact numbers for both urgent and non-urgent questions are also provided. …
This pamphlet gives information about your hospital stay for cardiac surgery. It lists items to bring with you to the hospital, a predicted timeline of your surgery, and members of your health care team. It gives information about the heart, types of cardiac surgeries, how to prepare for your surgery, and common concerns after surgery. Physiotherapy exercises, cardiac rehabilitation programs in Nova Scotia, heart healthy eating guidelines, and symptoms requiring a visit to either your family do…