Wound care

  • Keep wounds clean and dry as much as possible
  • You can generaly shower the day after surgery but avoid soaking in the bath or swimming for 2-3 weeks until the wounds have completely healed
  • Keep dressings intact for 7 days. If the wounds are oozy you may need to continue applying dressings to wounds
  • If skin staples are used, they should be removed 10-14 days after surgery
  • Consult your GP or surgeon if you notice redness, or discharge from the wound

Heavy lifting and exercise

  • Avoid lifting anything heavier than 5kg for at least 4 weeks
  • Walking is encouraged
  • Avoid contact sports, weight lifting, swimming for at least 4 weeks

Driving

  • No driving for 1-2 weeks depending on your surgery
  • Avoid driving while still on strong pain medications

Returning to work

  • You can return to office work / light duties in 1-2 weeks depending on your surgery
  • For manual work 4 weeks off work are usually needed
  • If you’re doing a colonoscopy you usually need the day of procedure and the day before off

Things to watch out for

  • Fever
  • Increasing pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Redness or discharge from wound site
  • If any concern, contact us or your GP or present to the emergency department if unwell