Robert C. Wright, M.D., P.S.
MERIDIAN SURGERY CENTER
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR DIAGNOSTIC LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY:
** Follow any instructions Dr. Wright may have given you in addition to the following:
1. DIET: Advance diet slowly starting with clear liquids (tea, apple juice) and advance diet as tolerated
keeping to a low fat diet as directed.
2. FOR YOUR SAFETY A RESPONSIBLE ADULT MUST DRIVE YOU HOME AND STAY WITH YOU FOR 24
HOURS FOLLOWING YOUR SURGERY.
3. For at least 24 hours or while taking pain medicine do not drive a motor vehicle or any dangerous
machinery, do not drink any alcohol or make any important decisions as your judgment will be
impaired.
4. Call Dr. Wright at (253) 840-1999 if you have:
A. Fever (greater than 101 degrees orally)
B. Shortness of breath, chest pain or extreme pain in calf/calves (Call 911)
C. Continued vomiting or excessive bleeding.
D. Severe pain unresponsive to the prescribed pain medicine.
E. Rash/Hives/Itching – stop prescribed medication, take Benadryl immediately and call the
office. If you can’t breathe or swallow call 911.
F. Changes in the wound appearance: Increased redness, swelling, warm to touch, or any
unusual drainage (yellow, foul-smelling).
5. If you have a problem and cannot reach your doctor or the doctor on call, go to the emergency room,
or call 911 for any life threatening emergencies.
6. Dr. Wright can continue your care at St. Clare Hospital Emergency Room – (253) 985-8700
7. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS & WOUND CARE:
A. No Aspirin or Ibuprofen products for one week; Tylenol is okay if not taking prescription pain
medication containing acetaminophen.
B. Minimal activity for 2-3 days.
C. Remove the outer band-aids in 24 hours and shower using a mild soap, pat skin dry. Leave the
steri-strips on until they fall off (usually a week). No soaking in a bathtub, hot tub, pool, lake/river
for 2 weeks. Do not use any antibiotic ointment, creams or hydrogen peroxide on incision unless
directed by Surgeon. Use a regular band-aid(s) and change once a day or as needed if it becomes
soiled.
D. Use stool softeners and Milk of Magnesia until bowel movements are normal.
E. Do not lift more than 10 pounds until approved by your doctor.
F. It’s not uncommon to feel sharp pain or pressure in your upper shoulder(s) or between your
shoulder blades. This pain is related to residual Co2 gas used during your laparoscopic surgery. Your
body will reabsorb the gas within 24-36 hours. If the pain is bothersome, we recommend you lay on
your back with your legs elevated above your abdomen.
8. Supplies taken home:
____
9. Your Post-op Appointment has been schedule for
____
10. You should expect a call within the next day or two from our nursing staff to check on your progress.
ESCORT SIGNATURE
Date _______________________
R.N.
Time ________________am / pm
1703 SOUTH MERIDIAN, SUITE 304 PUYALLUP, WA 98371
REVISED 1/08 MLH
253-840-1999