Hands2ElbowSurgeon
For enquiries regarding NHS Treatment at BRI:                   01274 383088
For enquiries regarding Treatment at the Yorkshire Clinic: 01274 550859
  • Home
  • Hospitals
    • Bradford Royal Infirmary
    • The Yorkshire Clinic
  • Patient Information
    • Diagnose Your Condition
    • Conditions Treated
    • Hand Conditions
    • Wrist Conditions
    • Elbow Conditions
    • What to expect >
      • On being listed for surgery >
        • Risks and Complications
      • Day of Admission
      • What happens post-operatively? >
        • Post-op Advice and Instructions
      • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Anaesthetic
    • Anaesthetists
    • Local Anaesthetics
    • Block and General Anaesthetic
    • Anaesthetic Information Sheets
  • Therapy
    • What is Hand Therapy?
    • Basic Hand Exercises
    • Desensitisation Exercises
    • NHS
    • Private
  • Links
  • Scores
  • Contact
  • CV

Postop Advice & Instructions

Keep your hand elevated at or above heart level for at least 48 hours after your operation - this improves pain, reduces swelling and aids healing. 

Keep your dressings dry and do not remove until review. 

Do not change your dressings unless you have been specifically instructed to do so.

For bathing place a plastic bag over your dressings and keep your hand elevated. 

Only remove your splint or plaster if you have been specifically instructed to do so by a hand therapist or surgeon.

During your operation local anaesthetic has been used to relieve pain post-operatively. It usually wears off after 6-24 hours. When the numbness starts to go you will experience some throbbing, discomfort or pain.

At this stage it is wise to take your prescribed pain killers so that you are comfortable.

Early movement of after surgery as this speeds recovery. However, you must not move any joints that are immobilised with a splint unless specifically instructed to do so by your hand therapist and surgeon.

Do not smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to the fingers by 42% and reduces healing.

Do not drive until you have been advised that it is safe to do so.

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.