Rapid Recovery Book

POSTOPERATIVE CARE

Stockings

You will be asked to wear special white stockings. These stockings are used to help compress the veins in your legs. This helps to keep swelling down and reduces the chance for blood clots.  If swelling in the operative leg is bothersome, elevate the leg for short periods throughout the day. It is best to lie down and raise the leg above the heart level.  Wear the stockings during the day and take them off at bedtime.  Notify your physician if you notice increased pain or swelling in either leg.  Ask your surgeon when you can discontinue stockings. Usually, this will be done three weeks after surgery.  Keep your incision dry.  You may shower after surgery, unless instructed otherwise. After showering, towel dry off. Leave open to air.  If you have drainage from your incision, cover it with a sterile dressing.  Take your temperature if you feel warm or sick. Call your surgeon if it is higher than 101.5 degrees.  If you have house pets, you should cover your incision with a light dressing to prevent pet hair from getting in the incision. 1. Wash your hands. 2. Open all dressing packages (ABD pads, 4x4’s if needed, rubbing alcohol). 3. Apply liberal amounts of rubbing alcohol on incision. 4. Pick up the ABD pad by one corner and lay it over the incision. Be careful not to touch the inside of the dressing that will lay over the incision. 5. Use a large band - aide at the drain site. 6. Keep the dressing in place by wrapping it with an Ace bandage. If your incision has NOT been closed with visible metal staples, do NOT apply alcohol to incision and keep area clean and dry as possible. If your incision has been closed with metal staples (at least daily) Care for Your Incision