Question 1

Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU)

Accepted Answer

After your surgery is complete, you will be transferred to the PACU for routine monitoring post-surgery and x-rays (if applicable).  You can expect to stay in the PACU for 60-90 minutes before being transferred to the day surgery unit.  You will be able to be picked up in the day surgery unit by your family member or designated accompanying person.

The vast majority of patients will be able to go home on the day of surgery.  If you require hospital admission overnight, you will be transferred directly to your room on the surgical floor from the PACU where your family can wait for you.

In addition to visiting you in the PACU, Dr. Chang will speak to your designated contact person after the surgery is complete.

Question 2

Physiotherapy

Accepted Answer

Depending on the type of surgery, a physiotherapist may visit you after surgery to teach you exercises that you can start at home.  At your first post-operative visit, Dr. Chang will review your personal physiotherapy rehab protocol with you.

Question 3

Medications

Accepted Answer

The day surgery nurses will review the post-operative medications you have been prescribed.  If you have had a nerve block, it is recommended you start taking the pain medications before the nerve block has completely worn off.

Question 4

Wound Management

Accepted Answer

Please refer to your post-operative instructions for specific information about your dressings.

Please keep the clear, water-resistant adhesive dressings on until you see Dr. Chang for your first follow-up appointment.  You may shower with the water-resistant dressings on, but do not bathe or submerge the incisions until they have completely healed.

If you have a bulky dressing, the tensor bandage and cotton can be removed two days after your surgery, but do not remove the clear, water resistant adhesive dressings.

Question 5

Sling Care

Accepted Answer

Please refer to your post-operative instructions for specific information about your sling.

Typically, your sling should stay on 24 hours a day apart from hygiene and the exercises the physiotherapist showed you after your surgery.

If your sling was only required for the nerve block, then this can be discontinued once the nerve block has worn off.

Question 6

Plaster Splint Care

Accepted Answer

Please refer to your post-operative instructions for specific information about your splint.  It is important to keep your plaster splint as dry as possible.

If you would like to shower, you may cover the splint with a plastic bag and completely seal it with tape.

Question 7

Follow-Up Appointment

Accepted Answer

Your first post-operative follow-up appointment will usually occur approximately 2 weeks after your surgery.  A this visit, your wound will be assessed, and your sutures/staples will be removed.  If applicable, an x-ray will also be performed.

All follow-up appointments will be located at the Orthopaedic Fracture Clinic at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital.  Preeya will arrange your appointment date and time before your surgery takes place.

Patient Information

BEFORE SURGERY

Consultation

Booking Your Surgery Date

Pre-Admission Visit

Medications

DAY OF SURGERY

Preparing for Surgery

Location of Surgery

What to Bring

Day of Surgery

What is a Nerve Block?

AFTER SURGERY

Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU)

Physiotherapy

Medications

Wound Management

Sling Care

Plaster Splint Care

Follow-Up Appointment

Dr. Nicholas Chang

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