Reconstructive Surgery Following Cancer Post-Operative Instructions

Instructions

Have someone drive you home after surgery and help you at home for 1-2 days.
Get plenty of rest.
Follow balanced diet.
Decreased activity may promote constipation, so you may want to add more raw fruit to your diet, and be sure to increase fluid intake.
Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin.
Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications.
Even when not taking pain medications, no alcohol for 3 weeks as it causes fluid retention.
If you are taking vitamins with iron, resume these as tolerated.
Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
Change old habits and develop new ones with regard to the sun.
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Wear wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves if you will be in the sun for an extended time.
Apply sunscreen frequently.
Examine your skin regularly.

Start walking as soon as possible, this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics).
Unless stated on this form, discuss your time off work with your surgeon.

You may shower 48 hours after removal of the drainage tubes.
Avoid exposing scars to sun for at least 12 months.
Always use a strong sunblock, if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or greater).
Keep steri-strips on; replace if they come off.
Keep incisions clean and inspect daily for signs of infection.

Depending upon the type, size and location of the cancer, you may have a barely visible scar or slightly larger, white scar or need a reconstructive procedure.

Have regular follow-up visits as scheduled by your doctor to ensure the cancer has not recurred.

If you have increased swelling or bruising.
If swelling and redness persist after a few days.
If you have increased redness along the incision.
If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
If you have any side effects to medications; such as, rash, nausea, headache, vomiting.
If you have an oral temperature over 100.4 degrees.
If you have any yellowish or greenish drainage from the incisions or notice a foul odor.
If you have bleeding from the incisions that is difficult to control with light pressure.
If you have loss of feeling or motion.

(734) 998-6022, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
After hours and on weekends, call Hospital Paging at (734) 936-6267 and ask for the Plastic Surgeon on call.