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postop

After your surgery is completed, you will be transported to the recovery room for close observation of your vital signs, circulation, and sensation in your legs and feet. As soon as you awaken and your condition is stabilized, you will be transferred to your room. Below is an example of what you may see when you wake up:

  1. You will find a large dressing applied to your incision in order to maintain cleanliness and absorb any fluid.

  2. There may be a drain placed near your incision in order to record the amount of drainage being lost from the wound.

  3. You may be wearing elastic hose, and/or a compression stocking sleeve designed to minimize the risks of blood clots.

  4. Your doctor may prescribe a PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) that is connected to your IV. The unit is set to deliver a small, controlled flow of pain medication and is enacted when you firmly press the button on your machine. Press the button anytime you are having pain.

  5. You may have a catheter inserted into your bladder as the side effects of anesthesia often make it difficult to urinate.

  6. A continuous passive motion (CPM) unit may be placed on your leg to slowly and gently bend and straighten your knee. This device is important for quickly regaining your knee range of motion.

  7. When your leg is not in the CPM, you may be wearing a knee immobilizer to protect your knee when you stand up.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.
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