Key takeaways
- Follow the surgeon’s dressing and stitch-removal schedule exactly.
- Take pain relief on time — controlled pain helps you walk and breathe deeply.
- Early, gentle walking reduces the risk of clots and chest infections.
- Fever, wound discharge, calf swelling or breathlessness need urgent attention.
Before you leave the hospital
Ask for the discharge summary, the medicine chart with timings, the dressing schedule, the date for stitch or staple removal, activity restrictions and the follow-up appointment. Ask who to call if there is a problem at night.
Wound and drain care
- Keep the dressing clean and dry; do not remove it unless instructed.
- Wash hands before and after touching the wound area.
- If there is a surgical drain, keep the bag below the wound and record the amount and colour of fluid daily.
- Do not apply creams, powders or home remedies unless prescribed.
- Stitches are usually removed 7 to 14 days after surgery, depending on the site.
A trained nurse can do sterile dressings, empty and measure drains and remove stitches at home.
Managing pain
Give pain medicines at the prescribed times rather than waiting for severe pain. Good pain control lets the patient cough, breathe deeply and walk, which prevents complications. Report pain that suddenly worsens or is not controlled by the prescribed medicines.
Getting moving again
Unless the surgeon says otherwise, short walks several times a day are encouraged from the first days at home. Walking improves circulation, lowers the risk of blood clots and helps bowel movement. Deep-breathing exercises every hour while awake help keep the lungs clear.
Avoid lifting heavy objects and strenuous activity until the surgeon clears you, particularly after abdominal surgery.
Diet and bowel care
Eat small, frequent meals with good protein — dal, eggs, paneer, milk and curd — to help wounds heal. Drink enough water unless fluids have been restricted. Pain medicines can cause constipation; fruit, fibre and fluids help, and the doctor may prescribe a mild laxative.
Warning signs after surgery
- Fever above 100.4°F (38°C) or chills.
- Wound becoming redder, more swollen, hot, or leaking pus or blood.
- Pain, swelling or redness in one calf — a possible blood clot.
- Sudden breathlessness or chest pain — call 108 / 112 immediately.
- Vomiting, inability to pass urine, or no bowel movement for several days.
Frequently asked questions
When can stitches be removed at home?
Usually 7 to 14 days after surgery, depending on the site and the surgeon’s advice. A nurse can remove stitches or staples at home on the scheduled day.
Can I bathe after surgery?
Follow the surgeon’s advice. Many wounds must be kept dry until the first dressing change or stitch removal; a waterproof dressing may allow a shower.
Do I need a nurse at home after surgery?
A nurse is helpful if there are drains, regular dressings, injections or IV antibiotics, or if the patient is elderly or has limited mobility.
This guide is general information for families, not medical advice. Always follow your treating doctor’s instructions. In an emergency call 108 / 112.