LEEP is used to treat abnormal cells on your cervix (lower part of the uterus). A special wire called a “loop” is used to send a small electrical current to the area and remove the abnormal cells. This pamphlet explains how LEEP is done, how long the treatment lasts, how to prepare for the procedure, what to expect after, if you need followup care, what risks may be involved, and when you should call the Clinic. Contact information is provided.
This 1 page instructional handout was developed to assist patients with diagnosed sleep apnea when they are discharged following surgery.
Iron is a mineral that the body needs to make hemoglobin in red blood cells. Sometimes iron must be given by IV before or after surgery. This pamphlet reviews how iron is given, a list of iron-rich foods, possible side effects, what to do after receiving iron therapy, and who to call should you have any problems.
This pamphlet provides care information and a series of exercises for after a foot and/or toe injury. Topics include: what to expect after the cast or bandage is taken off, how to deal with swelling and stiffness, walking, and how to use heat and ice. Stretching, strengthening, balance, and progression exercises are listed.
Delirium is not the same as dementia. This pamphlet describes delirium after cardiac surgery, the causes, symptoms, and how family members can help. Recovery may take days to months. The French version of this pamphlet 2107, "Delirium après une chirurgie cardiaque", is also available.
Ticagrelor is a medicine used along with low dose Aspirin to reduce your risk of having a heart attack. You should not take Ticagrelor if you have or had a current bleeding problem such as bleeding from a stomach ulcer or if you have severe liver disease. Instructions for how to take and store this medicine as well as drug interactions and foods to avoid are discussed. Missed dose instructions are given. This pamphlet also describes warnings and possible side effects.
Perioperative blood management helps patients before, during, and after planned surgery. Topics include: benefits, anemia, blood components, normal blood counts, blood transfusions, and informed consent. An FAQ (frequently asked questions) section is included. We have described the preoperative period (before surgery) with these topics: donating your own blood, donating blood for a family member or friend, drugs and products that help you during surgery, procedures performed during surgery, art…
Cette brochure offre des renseignements sur les soins avant et après une chirurgie d’un jour. On y traite notamment de la nécessité d’arriver tôt, de ce qu’il faut apporter et de l'anesthésie. La brochure traite aussi de l'hygiène, des médicaments, du tabagisme, des prothèses dentaires, des lunettes, des verres de contact, des appareils auditifs, des objets de valeur et des bijoux. On y traite de ce qui se passe à la salle préopératoire, à la salle d’opération, à la salle de réveil et à la sal…
Gallstones start as small pieces and can get bigger over time. They can cause problems if they block the tubes that bile needs to travel through. This pamphlet explains what causes gallstones, symptoms of gallstones, what to do if you have a gallbladder attack, and how gallstones are diagnosed and treated. Diet tips, information about surgery and ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), and the possible risks of gallstones are also provided. A list of symptoms that require immedia…
This guide is for patients that are being admitted to the Victoria General Hospital for open thoracotomy pulmonary resection surgery for lung cancer treatment. Your surgeon will make a surgical cut between two ribs. The cut will go from the front of your chest wall to your back, passing just underneath your armpit. These ribs will be separated. Your lung on this side will be deflated so that air will not move in and out of it during surgery. Your surgeon may not know how much of your lung needs…
A CADD-Solis pump is a pump that runs on a battery to deliver medications(s) that lessen the feelings of pain and other symptoms you may be experiencing. How your pump works, who will get the medication ready, how to know if your pump is working, how to take care of it, changing batteries, and dosage instructions are given. A diagram and key is provided to help you become familiar with your pump.
The Geriatric Ambulatory Care/Memory Disability Clinic sees mostly seniors (65 and over) with health problems related to frailty or dementia. Topics include: location, what to bring, what to expect, and contact info if you have questions.
This guide is for patients that are being admitted to the Victoria General Hospital for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) pulmonary resection for lung cancer treatment. Your surgeon will make several small surgical cuts over your chest wall. A videoscope (a tube with a tiny camera on the end) and other small tools will be passed through these cuts.Then, your surgeon may remove part or all of your lung, drain fluid or blood that has built up, or do other procedures. One or more tubes w…
What to expect after ear surgery, how to care for yourself at home, and an explanation of the different types of ear surgery are given. This pamphlet also shows a detailed image of the ear and middle ear. A list of symptoms that need Emergency Department attention are noted.
Step-by-step instructions are provided to collect a urine sample for the following: catecholamines, 5HIAA, VMA, and metanephrines. Drop-off locations are included.
Your varicose veins have been injected with a special medication during a treatment called sclerotherapy. This medication causes a blockage in your varicose veins. This forces the blood to go around the blockage and travel through nearby healthier veins, increasing blood flow in your legs. This pamphlet gives specific directions to prevent blood clots from forming in your healthy veins. Mild side effects and a list of symptoms that require immediate medical attention are provided.
Our anxiety groups are for people with anxiety as their main concern. This pamphlet explains when and where the group meets, what you need to bring, who will be there, sharing within the group, skills you will learn, and how the group will help you.
The Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Group is a skills training group. This group is for people who have a hard time controlling and expressing their emotions effectively. Topics include: how to join the group, when and where the group is held, expectations, and topics covered during sessions.
The Changeways group is for people with depression or low mood as their main concern. The group teaches skills in problem-solving and managing your lifestyle to help with your mood. Topics include: when and where the group meets, what you need to bring, who will be there, sharing with the group, and how the group will help you.
A pilonidal (‘“pie-low-NIE-dul”) sinus is when a ‘nest’ of hairs grows under the skin, most often above your tailbone. The hair grows inward through the sinuses, or little holes in the skin. Germs can build up near the hairs. This can cause pain, swelling, and pus or discharge. This often leads to an infection called an abscess (pocket of pus). Surgery is needed if you have an abscess or if you have a lot of pain and discharge. Topics include: what is done during surgery, after surgery care suc…