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Post-Operative Patients

A follow-up visit with Dr. Shum is usually arranged for between 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. Once discharged, call Dr. Shum's office to schedule your appointment if one has not been made for you by your nurse or the ward clerk. 

 

If you are feeling unwell with fever, nausea, vomiting or any other concerning symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department for assessment and inform the treating physician of your recent surgery. 

 

If there are any concerns, the physician treating you should notify Dr. Shum or the surgeon on-call at Health Sciences North.

 

Post-Operative Care

Below are a number of different links to post-operative care instructions. Please download and read the information related to your surgery. If you have been admitted to hospital, Dr. Shum will not discharge you home until he feels confident that your recovery is proceeding well. However, post-operative problems such as nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, worsening pain, dehydration and infections do occur at home and will need to be assessed. If you feel that your recovery is worsening or not improving as anticipated, call Dr. Shum's office for an appointment. If the problem can not wait, proceed to the nearest Emergency Department for assessment. 

 

Post-Operative Recovery Times

The average times off work or school are dependent upon the type of procedure performed. 

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  • Laparoscopic appendectomy - 7 to 10 days off.

  • Open appendectomy - 10 to 14 days off.

  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy - 10 to 14 days off.

  • Open cholecystectomy - 14 to 17 days off.

  • Inguinal hernia repair - 7 to 10 days off.

  • Umbilical hernia repair - 7 to 10 days off.

 

If you require more time off than specified, Dr. Shum or your family physician will have to reassess your healing process to authorize additional time off. 

 

Post-Operative Pain

Incisional pain occurs after surgery.

 

Dr. Shum will prescribe an appropriate amount of oral analgesic after your surgery depending upon the type of procedure completed. If you require additional medication, you will need to be reassessed by your family doctor, Dr. Shum or an emergency physician to ensure that there are no complications. 


 

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