Recovery of Operations

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Before you have your operation, the nurses and doctors will explain to you what will happen after the procedure is finished and what experiences you should expect. They will also go through any special requirements that you may have and anything unique to your operation.You may feel some amount of discomfort for a short time after your operation. You will usually be given pain relief such as paracetamol or codeine tablets to help ease your discomfort. Stronger drugs such as morphine may be given if necessary.

Some hospitals provide PCA (patient controlled analgesia) which is a method of allowing you to control the amount of painkiller you receive. During the operation you are connected to a PCA pump, which delivers pain-relieving drugs down a length of tubing that is connected to an intravenous drip in your arm. After the operation, you can increase the amount of pain relief you get receive by pressing a button on the PCA pump. The pump is fitted with a device that prevents you from accidentally over-dosing by limiting the amount of drugs released within a certain time.

If you need antibiotics, fluids or other drugs, you may be given an intravenous drip. This is a tube that is inserted into a vein, usually in your hand or arm. The tube gradually releases the drugs or fluids into your body. You may also be given a drain, to remove any blood and fluid that accumulates around the wound. There are many different kinds of wound drains and the nurse will explain which type you need.

If you have had a general anaesthetic you will be taken to a recovery room immediately after your operation. When you wake up you may find that you have an oxygen mask over your mouth and nose. You may also find that your mouth feels very dry. Your pulse and blood pressure will be taken and the anaesthetist will check that your recovery is progressing well. You will then be taken back to the hospital ward where nurses will continue to monitor you until you leave the hospital.

If you are having a very large or invasive operation, you may need to spend some time in a high dependency unit (HDU). If this is expected, a HDU nurse may visit you before the operation to explain what will happen.

Some people may feel a bit nauseous after having a general anaesthetic. If you feel sick, tell the nurse who may be able to give you anti-emetic (anti-sickness) medicine. Some people also experience other side effects of the anaesthtic such as: numbness, tingling, backache, headache, wind, sore throat or jaw, thirst, shivering or memory lapses.

If you have a wound from the operation, it may be closed with stitches. There are several types of stitches; the kind used will depend on the size and type of wound. Some stitches dissolve and are absorbed into the body, while other will have to be removed by a nurse about seven to ten days after your operation. You will need to make an appointment to come back into hospital to have your stitches removed.