DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

After your child’s surgery, the doctor will write specific discharge orders. The doctor will also talk with the patient and parent regarding the surgery.

If it was an outpatient procedure, the doctor will write orders which include any specific instructions for dressing changes, weight-bearing status, pain medication, physical therapy (if necessary), and when your child needs to see the doctor again after surgery.

For inpatient procedures, discharge plans will usually be discussed the day before discharge. Before the day of discharge, please raise any concerns that you may have concerning medical equipment, school notes, home health nursing, or physical therapy. The case manager can make arrangements to have these ready when you are discharged.

At the time of discharge, you may receive a prescription for pain medicine. This should be taken as needed for pain. After a few days, you will be able to alternate between Tylenol and Ibuprofen, saving the pain medicine for increased pain episodes or for use at night.

The physician will give you instructions about how to manage the dressing, if there still is one on the wound.

Bathing instructions will be given individually by the physician. Generally, the wound must be kept dry for 7-10 days after surgery. Arthroscopy instructions include showering at 48 hours but no baths for 7-10 days.

Most sutures (stitches) are dissolvable and do not need to be removed. If your child has staples or sutures in the wound, then they will need to be removed, usually at 2 weeks after surgery.

Check the wound for any signs of infection. The healing edges are normally pink and itchy. Any redness, swelling that increases after surgery, or drainage should prompt you to call the physician.

Check for signs of fever. Call the physician if your child’s temperature exceeds 101°F.

Prior to leaving the hospital, call 404-321-9900 to make the follow-up appointment for the post-op visit.

Please call the office with any questions or concerns 404-321-9900.