Minor Procedures in Surgery Clinic
You will have a procedure that involves a small cut and a few stitches. Some stitches are left in for 3-14 days and others dissolve on their own. We will tell you how to take care of your wound. Once the stitches are taken out or dissolve the wound is still not totally healed. You may need to limit your activity.
A local pain medicine will be used for the procedure. You will be able to drive home. You may Tylenol® for pain at home. Follow the package directions.
You may not be able to play sports (swimming, biking, tennis, skiing, skating, sledding) for 2-4 weeks. Your doctor will advise you.
Please talk to your doctor about your sports activity needs before you schedule the procedure. This way your team will know how long you will be out and not able to play.
If this is not urgent, you may wish to arrange it at a time that best fits into your schedule. Avoid times when you are in swimming, school sports, vacation, or camp.
Avoid sun exposure to your incision until it is healed. Once healed use sunscreen on it.
If you are taking aspirin or ibuprofen, Vitamin E, or ginkgo, please stop 1 week before the procedure. These medicines thin your blood and may affect your healing. You may return to taking them 1 week after your procedure. Ask your doctor what other medicine you can take for pain. Please tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, before you set a date for the procedure.
Before you arrive, DO eat breakfast or lunch and take all your usual medicines that are okayed by your regular doctor. Please check in 20 minutes before your appointment time.
Phone numbers
Surgery Clinic: 608-263-7502
After hours this number is answered by the paging operator. Ask for the doctor on call for _____________________________. Leave your name and phone number. The doctor will call you back.
If you live out of 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: 04/23/2009
Copyright © 04/23/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5192
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