Discharge Instructions after Stereotactic Radiosurgery

 

Follow Up Visit

• Your follow-up visit is on _______________________________________ at __________.  If this follow-up appointment is not arranged before you leave, you will be called with a date and time once you are home.

What to Expect for the Next Few Days

• You may have some puffiness around the eyes, starting about day 2 or 3 after treatment.  This is normal and should go away by itself.
• You may apply ac ice pack to your eyes several times a day for about 20 minutes at a time, for the first day.  This may help reduce or prevent eye area swelling.
• You may have some pain, tenderness, or numbness around the pin sites for a few days to a few weeks.  This is normal and should go away by itself.
• You may feel a little tired for a day or two.  You can be able to be as active as you want.
• You can resume your normal diet.
• You should not wash your hair for 2-3 days after the treatment.

Pin Site Care

• Check your pin sites twice a day for the next three days for any signs of infection.  Watch for increased swelling, redness, drainage, or a temperature above 100° F.
• Gently wash the pin site area twice a day.  Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the site.  The pin sites may drain or even bleed a little tonight.

When to Call the Doctor

• Increasing or severe headaches that are not relieved by Tylenol^Ò
• Headaches that occur daily or several times a day, even if relieved by Tylenol ^Ò
• Headaches associated with nausea and vomiting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Any change in strenth or sensation (numbness or tingling)
• Being clumsy or problems with the movement of a hand or leg
• Vision, hearing or s peech changes or difficulties
• Balance or walking difficulties or dizziness
• New onset of confusion
• New seizures or worsening of seizures

If you have any problems or notice any of the above symptoms, call the Radiotherapy Clinic at (608) 263-8500.  If the clinic is closed, your call will be transferred to the hospital paging operator.  Ask for the radiotherapy doctor on call.  Give your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

If you live outside of the area, call toll-free 1-800-323-8942. 

 

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/24/2011

Copyright © 06/24/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5486

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