After the operation

The dressing applied by the surgeon must be perfectly fitted and comfortable; it must compress without blocking circulation. Fingers should be monitored, and if they become blue or white and numb, please notify the center or the surgeon immediately. Plasters, if too tight, cause the same problems. The surgeon must be notified immediately.

Elevating the operated limb and positioning it as consistently as possible above the level of the heart (i.e. at shoulder level) is essential to prevent edema and reduce pain. Moving your fingers, elbow and shoulder at least once an hour during the day prevents swelling and stiffness by improving blood circulation (we’ll tell you all about it).

An appointment is made after a few days to check the condition of the wound.

Rest at the center or in the clinic.
After the operation, even if it was performed under local anesthesia, you will be asked to remain in a chair for a while to monitor your pulse and blood pressure (duration: 15 minutes for local anesthesia, 2 hours for endovenous anesthesia and axillary block).

Post-operative pain generally lasts 1-3 days, rarely longer. The doctor will give you a prescription for an appropriate painkiller. It is frequently a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. If you are allergic to this medicine or have a stomach ulcer, please inform your doctor, who will prescribe another medicine. Applying an ice pack to the hand or arm is an effective way to combat pain. Spending a night in the clinic also enables better control of pain and general condition (injections, perfusion).

Who should I contact if I have a problem?
During the night following the operation, there may be some pain, but this should not be excessive. You can relieve them with the medication prescribed. You can always contact the practice for advice or an emergency appointment if pain persists, or contact one of the emergency numbers given to you on the information sheet provided before your procedure (see also Contacts on this site).

If you feel unwell, contact your surgeon or attending physician, SOS médecins, the Cantonal Hospital, the nearest emergency clinic or Clinique de la Plaine.

If the surgeon who operated on you is temporarily unavailable, he or she will be replaced by his or her assistant or by a colleague at the center. He apologizes in advance if he is unable to answer your call personally.