WHAT HAPPENS ON SURGERY DAY?
A few weeks before surgery you will receive
information in the mail telling you what time to arrive at the facility. You are required to arrive approximately 2 HOURS BEFORE the actual surgery time. Upon arriving, please report to the Admissions Desk. You will then be escorted to the Surgical Admissions Unit where you will be assigned a room (which is where you will wait for surgery).FOLLOWING SURGERY you will return to the Surgical Admissions Unit. The nurses monitor your
blood pressure and heart rate as well as your dressing. When they verify that your condition is stable, you will be discharged to home. You will receive instructions for the
care of your dressing. It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you ELEVATE THE SURGICAL SITE above the level of your heart to minimize swelling for at least the first 24-72 hours after the operation.
It is Kaleida Health System's policy that there be a responsible adult driver to escort the patient home after discharge. To avoid a delay of your discharge, arrangements
should be made before the day of surgery to have someone drive you home.
WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT SWELLING IN THE HAND OR FINGERS?
If there are no changes in the skin temperature or color of the fingers:
- Using pillows elevate the hand 10-14 inches above heart level. (An example would be holding a can of soda to your mouth.)
- If your splint is positioned so that one or more of your fingers is free we encourage gentle movement. If the splint blocks motion it is deliberate and we
ask that all finger and/or hand motion is avoided.
- Use ice packs over the affected area (on the soft side of the dressings is preferred if there is one) for 10 minute intervals every hour while the hand is elevated. Be careful, however, to
keep the dressings dry!
You may be given an arm sling post-surgery. Use arm sling only when ambulating for long periods of time otherwise elevate as directed above. Continued use of sling does not
provide proper elevation of extremity to prevent swelling. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF INFECTION?
- Increased pain
- Swelling, redness
- Fever
- Chills
- Burning sensation at or near the wound
- Increased skin temperature at or near the wound.
- Drainage
Drainage from a wound may be normal. It is important to be aware of the amount, color, consistency and odor of any drainage. If it becomes thick, green, yellow or
cloudy, has a foul odor or significantly increases in amount call the Hand Center immediately.
IF I NEED A PRESCRIPTION FOLLOWING SURGERY, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Contact our office (716/8874040) and our nurse or M.D. "on call" will assist you. HOW LONG WILL I BE DISABLED?
The length of time a patient is disabled following surgery varies considerably depending on the procedure(s) performed and the individual's health status. Disability
should be discussed with your doctor before surgery and updated at each office visit. |
