Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 9/11/2006

Question
I am having my  right middle finger rebroke  pinned and  plated .....I am having  it done in Denver Thanks for the answers
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Followup To

Question -
I am  going under for  surgrey for the  first time in   31 years what  can I  expect before and after will  I be able to  travel home they have told me  I  could   go home    with in   2 hours of it..

Answer -
Hi there
Things have changed a lot over the last 31 years. I assume from what you are saying that you are going to have your operation as a 'day case' i.e. in for the operation and home again in the same day. We would allow you home if you had someone to escort you home and to be with you for the first 24 hours.
It is difficult for me to tell you what to expect without more information about what the operation is and where in the world you are.
However you should be admitted and meet your surgeon and anaesthetist. They and the staff should give you a full explanation of what is going to happen. You will then have your operation and wake up in the Recovery (or Post Anaesthesia Care Unit). They will ensure that you are comfortable and not in pain prior to sending you back to the ward area. There they will give you some fluid and something to eat and gradually get you ready for discharge home.
Sorry I can't be more specific.
Hope all goes well
Dr Ian Jackson


Answer
Hi there
Now in that case that is definitely a day care proceedure. This is an operation on a peripheral part of your body - that is it is away from all your major organs!
This is good and means that it should be easy to manage for the surgeon, the anaesthetist, yourself and your family at home.
The best thing to do is to relax, think of any questions you want answering, write them down as they occur to you and take them with you when you go in so you remember to ask them.
The main things to think about are the size of the dressing that will be applied to your hand after the op. Wear suitably baggy clothing so you can get a hand wrapped in bandages through you sleeve. Also consider - is it your dominant hand? If it is then consider basic functions e.g. writing, eating and dare I say it other body functions...
I hope this has given some reassurance and some practical thoughts!
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson