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Foreign Body Excision

A foreign body excision is done to remove a foreign body such as a splinter or piece of metal.

 

Before Surgery

  • Make plans to be off work as needed.
  • Do household and outdoor chores ahead of time, or plan for someone to assist you.
  • Plan activities that do not require a lot of standing or lifting.
  • Have meals ready that are easy to prepare.
  • Plan to have someone help care for your children as needed.

After Surgery

  • Take it easy for a day or so.  This depends on where your incision is.
  • You may shower.  Avoid soaking the incision until it is healed.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing for a few days.
  • You can resume your normal routine when you feel ready.
  • You should not drive while you are taking narcotic pain medicine.
  • Limit your lifting as instructed.
  • Some bruising at your incision site is normal.
  • Check your incision daily for signs of infection: increased redness or swelling, a red or hot incision, foul smelling drainage, or a fever over 101.4° F.
  • Plan to visit your doctor in clinic in 1-2 weeks.
  • Special instructions ________________________________________________

When to Call Your Doctor

  • Fever over 101.4° F for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
  • Excess swelling
  • Redness at incision site
  • Bleeding or pus from incision
  • Increasing pain

The office number is (608) 263-7502, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

 

After hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, this number will be answered by the paging operator.  Ask for the plastic surgery resident on call.  Leave your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.


If you live outside the area, call 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: 07/27/2011

Copyright © 07/27/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4761

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