 |
 |
|
| |
Your
doctor may use ultrasound
scan to confirm if you have
gallbladder problem. |
|
After learning your medical history, your doctor may
examine you to find out about signs, health problems,
risk factors that point to gallbladder disease. Diagnostic
investigations such as blood tests, ultrasound and CT
Scan may be used to confirm the problem.
: A Step-by-Step Guide
In the Clinic
- Your doctor will
ask you for your medical history and explain to you
the nature of your operation as well as its complications
- Blood may be taken from
you for tests to ensure that you are in good health
and fit for surgery.
- If you are 40 years
old and above, the following may be done:
- Electrocardiogram
(ECG) - to check your heart's function
- Chest x-ray
- to ensure your lungs and heart are fit
- The nurse will brief
you on the following:
- Your estimated
period of stay in the hospital. If all goes smoothly,
you may go home 2-3 days after the operation.
- Your estimated
bill size for the hospital stay
- To bring along
your current medication on admission to the ward
if any
- If you are a smoker,
to stop smoking 2 weeks before operation
- To start
on low fat diet (if you require more information,
an educational pamphlet is available)
- If you have cough with
phlegm 2 days before your scheduled operation, please
call the hospital at tel: 6788 8833 during office
hours. It may be necessary to postpone the operation.
- You are advised not to
bring excessive money or valuables when you come in
for operation.
- If you need help
at home when you leave the hospital, please inform
your nurse. One of the hospital social workers will
speak to you and your family.
On the day of Admission
- After you arrive in the
ward, the nurse will help you settle in and will check
your weight and temperature, pulse, respiratory rate
and blood pressure.
- Your doctor will ask you
for your medical history and examine you. l He or
she will explain to you the nature of your operation
as well as its complications. The doctor will also
obtain your consent for operation.
- Your anaesthetist will
come and assess your fitness for surgery.
- Blood may be taken from
you for tests to ensure that you are in good health
and fit for surgery if it is not already done in the
clinic.
- The nurse will provide
you with the following information:
- What to expect
when you are in the operating theatre
- What to expect
when you wake up from your operation
- Your nurse will inform
you not to eat or drink (usually after 12 midnight)
On the day of Operation
- Take a shower in the morning
before your operation.
- Hand any valuables to your
nurse for safekeeping before the operation.
- You will be asked to change
into a specially designed gown before going to the
operating theatre.
- You will be accompanied
to the operating theatre by a nurse.
- The theatre nurse will
check your name and particulars
- After the operation, you
will be closely monitored in the ward.
- You may vomit after the
operation due to the side-effects of the anaesthesia
or feel some pain at the operation site. If you experience
this, inform your nurse. She may give you an injection
to make you feel more comfortable.
- Should you need to cough
or sit up, bend slightly and hold down your operation
site lightly. This will help to reduce the pain.
- If you are feeling well,
you are encouraged to sit up or walk slowly around
your bed.
- After your surgery,
you will be given drink or food. Your nurse will inform
you on what to eat or drink. It is important to eat
or drink only as much as you can tolerate.
On the day after Operation
- Your doctor will come and
examine you in the morning. You may go home if he
finds you fit.
- Walking is important for
a quick recovery. You are encouraged to sit out of
bed and walk short distances.
- You are advised not to
carry heavy things or do strenuous tasks as these
may overstrain in the muscles around the operation
site. However you are encouraged to continue to exercise
moderately.
- If you are feeling well,
you may be able to take low fat food.
- Blood may be taken from
you for tests to ensure that you are in good health
and fit for surgery if it is not already done in the
clinic.
- Your nurse will teach
you how to care for your wound and to look out for
signs of wound infection such as redness and swelling.
If you require more information, an educational pamphlet
is available.
On the day of Discharge
- Please continue to exercise
moderately at home for the next 2 weeks before resuming
usual exercise routine.
- A low fat diet is recommended
for about 3 months.
- If you have any questions
about how to care for your wound, please ask your
nurse. Please keep your wound clean and dry. If there
is redness or swelling around the wound, please see
your GP or polyclinic doctor as soon as possible.
- If you need to have your
sutures removed, your nurse will inform you of the
date to do so. If you wish to have it done at the
polyclinic or GP, please bring along your discharge
letter.
- When you are ready to go
home, your doctor will prescribe medications that
you will need. Your pharmacist or nurse will instruct
you on how to take the medications. If there are any
queries, please ask your doctor or nurse.
- Your nurse will give
you a discharge letter, medical certificate and an
appointment date to see the doctor before you leave
the hospital. Please ensure that you have them before
you go home.
|
