Postoperative Problems

If you have had surgery:

• Follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon.
• If the instructions from your surgeon are not clear or do not cover your particular problem, contact your surgeon.
• If your symptom or problem starts after the office or health facility is closed, call your surgeon's office and leave a message with the answering service (or follow instructions given on the answering machine). If you leave a message, be sure to include your name and phone number so that your surgeon (or the on-call surgeon) can contact you.
• You will be given special instructions after your surgery for taking care of the incision. Be sure to follow those instructions carefully. If you misplaced your instructions, follow these Reference general instructions for taking care of the incision until you can speak with your surgeon.

Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair. For more information, see the topic Reference Quitting Smoking.

Write down your symptom or problem. It may help you become more aware of your specific symptom or problem or give you ideas about its cause. It will also help prepare you to talk to your surgeon about what you are experiencing.

Symptoms to watch for during home treatment

Reference Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• A new symptom develops that is different than what your surgeon told you to expect.
• Symptoms become more severe or frequent.

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