Going For Surgery

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 Hospital Recovery

You will have a drip in your arm for pain relief

You will have a wound dressing around the operation site

 Expect

Some pain and bruising over the wound.

Small amount of blood-stained ooze. If bleeding occurs, apply pressure with clean gauze pad or napkin for 5 minutes. If this does not control the bleeding, contact your physician or urologist.

 After Discharge

Wound Management
- Before discharge from hospital discuss with nursing staff the need for wound dressing
- Continue to wear supportive underwear until reviewed by your surgeon
- 2 days after surgery you may recommence your daily shower, taking care not to rub soap into the wound. Let water run over the wound and thoroughly pat dry.

Use regular pain relief during your recovery period

 Contact your GP if

You develop high fever, shivers and shakes

Wound becomes red, swollen +/- pus oozing from the wound

You have severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication

 Your next appointment

On discharge the nurses will give you an appointment to see the urologists in about 7-10 days after surgery

Most surgeons use dissolvable stitches for the wound, but be sure to confirm this

 Total Recovery Time

Resuming work: 1-2 weeks

Driving: It is okay to drive once you are comfortable to do so and are not on sedating pain relief medication. Driving can usually be resumed within 24 hours of an anaesthetic.

Shower: It is okay to take a shower (but NOT A BATH). Be sure you dry the area thoroughly.

Discuss with your doctor precautions in regard to lifting, sport and sexual activity if in doubt.

 Need for further treatment

Rarely a hydrocoele may recur after surgery