What to expect after surgery?
After leaving the hospital establishment, please find below some relevant information useful for the days following surgery.
If you had loco-regional anesthesia (anesthesia of the arm), paralysis of the operated limb and insensitivity of the hand may persist for several hours, sometimes even overnight. The forearm should be supported by a scarf until sensitivity and motor skills have returned.
It is best to keep a scarf for 48 hours, as long as there is swelling in the hand and fingers. The hand should be placed on a cushion at night in order to raise it. You must not use your hand for strength maneuvers or carrying heavy loads, even if the dressing is small.
Rings should not be put back on for several days (due to the risk of swelling of the fingers).
If you have plaster, splint, or orthosis, you should not remove them. The joints left free should be mobilized to avoid stiffening. The immobilization period must be absolutely respected.
The dressing must not be wet and will be redone during the first post-operative visit (the next day or a few days after) by your surgeon. If rehabilitation or equipment is prescribed (occupational therapy ), they must be started on the date and in the manner specified on the prescription.
You must watch your hand. Several elements should alert you:
- Abnormally white, blue, or cold fingers, loss of sensitivity, significant swelling
- Significant pain persisting despite the painkillers taken according to the recommended dosage
- Poorly tolerated plaster (pain, compression, sensitivity disorder, etc.)
For any anomaly noted or felt, by yourself or your entourage, you must contact:
The medical office, the emergency department of Hôpital de la Tour in Geneva (0227196144) or the Genolier emergency department (polyclinic)(0223669794).
Post-care protocols operating (prescription, rehabilitation, products, appointment) can be changed in case of abnormal developments.