About Your Surgery

An abdominal hernia repair is a type of surgery. It fixes a problem called a hernia. A hernia is a bulge under the skin in your belly. It happens when you have a weak spot in your belly muscles and a piece of your intestines or tissues pokes through your muscles. This can cause pain. You may notice the pain most when you lift something heavy.

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An anal fistulotomy is surgery to open and drain an anal fistula, helping the fistula to heal. An anal fistula is a small tunnel (tract) from the anal canal to a hole in the skin near the anus.

The doctor will use the surgical tools to make a cut (incision) through one side of the fistula. This will open the fistula so that it can drain and heal from the inside out.

You may have gauze inside the opening of your fistula. The gauze may come out with your first bowel movement after surgery, or your doctor may tell you to remove it 1 day after surgery.

You will probably go home the same day as your surgery. Most people have very little pain after several days. But it usually takes several weeks for the area to completely heal. After the area heals, the fistula will be gone.

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Anorectal abscess surgery drains a pocket of pus that has built up in the anal or rectal area. The doctor will make a cut to open the abscess. The cut is called an incision. Then the doctor will clean out the abscess. The doctor may leave a piece of gauze packing in the incision to help it heal. Or the doctor may put a plastic tube in the abscess to help it drain.

Most people go home on the same day as the surgery. The pain that was caused by the abscess often gets better right after surgery. You may have some mild pain from the incision for several days. You will probably be able to go back to work and your normal activities within several days after your surgery.

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Your doctor removed your appendix either by making many small cuts, called incisions, in your belly (laparoscopic surgery) or through open surgery. In open surgery, the doctor makes one large incision. The incisions leave scars that usually fade over time.

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Lymph nodes move and filter fluids between body tissues and the bloodstream. Because of this, cancer cells often spread to the lymph nodes. An axillary lymph node dissection is surgery to remove lymph nodes from under your arm.

This surgery is usually done during your lumpectomy or mastectomy. During this surgery, your doctor will remove lymph nodes that have cancer and those that cancer could easily spread to. This surgery reduces the chance that the cancer could come back. It also helps your doctor plan further treatment for you.

After your lymph nodes are removed, you will be at greater risk for swelling in your arm. This is called lymphedema. You will have to take good care of your affected arm. Your doctor or physiotherapist will tell you what to look for. They will also teach you how to take care of your arm.

This surgery may be done at the same time as other breast surgeries. If this is the case, how you prepare may be different.

When you find out that you have cancer, you may feel many emotions and may need some help coping. Seek out family, friends, and counsellors for support. You also can do things at home to make yourself feel better while you go through treatment. Call the Canadian Cancer Society (1-888-939-3333) or visit its website at www.cancer.ca for more information.

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Bowel surgery removes a part of the small or large bowel. It is called a bowel resection when a section of the bowel is taken out and the bowel that is left is reconnected back together.

The type of bowel surgery you are having depends on your problem. Your doctor will talk to you about the type of bowel surgery you are having.

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An open breast biopsy is surgery to remove abnormal breast tissue. It's mostly done when the results of a needle biopsy are uncertain.

To show the location of the abnormal breast tissue, a small wire can be put in the area during a mammogram or ultrasound just before surgery. The wire will guide the doctor to the area to be checked.

The doctor makes a cut in the breast to remove part or all of the abnormal breast tissue. Once the tissue is removed, the doctor will close the cut with stitches.

The breast tissue will be sent to a lab. There it will be examined under a microscope to check for breast cancer. Your doctor may get some answers right away. But it can take up to 1 to 2 weeks to get the final results.

You will be able to go home on the same day as the biopsy. The surgery will leave a scar on your breast that will fade with time. Less often, the surgery may leave a dent in the breast.

How do you prepare for surgery?

Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.

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Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) removes cancer from the breast. Your doctor will make a small cut (incision) and take out the cancer. The whole breast won't be removed. The doctor will try to also take a small amount of normal tissue around the cancer. This is known as "getting clear margins." Some people will need another surgery to be sure the margins are clear. The doctor may also check the nearby lymph nodes during the surgery.

After surgery, you will go home the same day. Most people can go back to work or their normal routine in 1 to 3 weeks. This depends on how you feel. It also depends on the type of work you do and whether you need more treatment. This may include radiation or chemotherapy. Most people who have this surgery for cancer also get radiation treatment.

When you find out that you have cancer, you may feel many emotions and may need some help coping. Seek out family, friends, and counsellors for support. You also can do things at home to make yourself feel better while you go through treatment. Call the Canadian Cancer Society (1-888-939-3333) or visit its website at www.cancer.ca for more information. 

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A mastectomy is surgery to remove a breast. There are many ways the surgery can be done. The type of surgery you will have depends on your situation and whether you plan to have reconstructive surgery.

If a mastectomy is done to cure or prevent cancer, the entire breast, including the nipple, is removed. The doctor may also check the nearby lymph nodes during the surgery.

When you find out that you have cancer, you may feel many emotions and may need some help coping. Seek out family, friends, and counsellors for support. You also can do things at home to make yourself feel better during treatment. Call the Canadian Cancer Society (1-888-939-3333) or visit www.cancer.ca to learn more.

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Gallbladder surgery removes a diseased gallbladder. It is also known as cholecystectomy (ko-luh-sis-TEK-tuh-mee).

This surgery is usually done as a laparoscopic surgery. The doctor puts a lighted tube and other surgical tools through small cuts (incisions) in your belly. The tube is called a scope. It lets your doctor see your organs so your doctor can do the surgery. The incisions leave scars that fade with time.

Most people go home the same day. You probably will feel better each day. Most people have only a small amount of pain after 1 week.

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Hemorrhoidectomy is surgery to remove hemorrhoids. These are swollen veins in the anal area. During this surgery, the doctor will cut out the swollen veins. After surgery, the pain and itching from your hemorrhoids should go away.

After this surgery, you will probably go home the same day. You will have some pain in your anal area. You may also have light bleeding from your anus. These symptoms may last for 1 to 2 months. Your doctor will give you medicine to help relieve your pain. Your doctor may also give you stool softeners. These help make your bowel movements easier.

Avoid heavy lifting for 4 weeks after surgery. You will probably need to take 1 to 2 weeks off from work. This depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.

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A hernia occurs when a weak spot in your belly muscles allows a piece of your intestines or the tissue around them to poke through. This can cause a bulge in the area. It can also cause pain. But you may not feel anything.

The hernia may be in your groin. Or it may be near your belly button. In some cases, it's in a scar from an earlier surgery. A doctor can fix a hernia through a cut (incision) made near it. This is called open surgery. Or the doctor may make some very small cuts and use a thin, lighted scope and small tools. This is laparoscopic surgery. If your hernia is bulging, the bulge is pushed back into place. The doctor then sews the healthy tissue back together. Often a piece of material is used to patch the weak spot.

Open surgery will leave a longer scar. Laparoscopic surgery leaves a few small scars. The scars will fade with time.

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Inguinal hernia repair is a type of surgery. An inguinal hernia is a bulge under the skin in your groin. It happens when there is a weak spot in the groin muscle and a piece of the intestines or tissue pokes through the muscle. This can be painful.
You may have pain when you're active. Or it may be painful when you strain during a bowel movement or lift something heavy.

Surgery can help with your pain. It can also prevent serious problems that can happen if an organ or tissue gets stuck in the hernia.

There are two ways to do this surgery. In open surgery, the doctor makes one cut near the hernia. This cut is called an incision. In laparoscopic surgery, the doctor makes several very small incisions and uses a thin, lighted scope and small tools.

During surgery, the doctor pushes the bulge back in place. The doctor may place a piece of mesh on top of the bulge to help keep it in place. Then the healthy tissue is sewn back together.

Laparoscopic surgery leaves several small scars. Open surgery leaves one long scar. The scars fade with time.

After the surgery, you can probably return to light activity after 1 to 3 weeks. How long it takes will depend on the type of surgery.

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A myomectomy is surgery to take out fibroids. The uterus is left in place. Uterine fibroids are tumours that grow in the wall or muscle of the uterus. They are not cancer.

Before surgery, you will get medicine to make you sleep.

Laparoscopic surgery is done with only small cuts. These cuts are called incisions. The doctor puts a lighted tube, or scope, and other tools through the cuts in your belly. The doctor is able to see your organs with the scope. The doctor removes the fibroids. The cuts heal quickly, and the scars usually fade over time.

Most people go home on the day of the surgery. After surgery, you will probably have some pain for several days.

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After a surgery, fluid may collect inside your body in the surgical area. This makes an infection or other problems more likely. A surgical drain allows the fluid to flow out.

The doctor puts a thin, flexible rubber tube into the area of your body where the fluid is likely to collect. The rubber tube carries the fluid outside your body.

The most common type of surgical drain carries the fluid into a collection bulb that you empty. This is called a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain. The drain uses suction created by the bulb to pull the fluid from your body into the bulb. The rubber tube will probably be held in place by one or two stitches in your skin. The bulb will probably be attached with a safety pin to your clothes or near the bandage so that it doesn't flip around or pull on the stitches.

Another type of drain is called a Penrose drain. This type of drain doesn't have a bulb. Instead, the end of the tube is open. That allows the fluid to drain onto a dressing taped to your skin. The drain may be kept in place next to your skin with a stitch or a safety pin in the tube.

When you first get the drain, the fluid will be bloody. It will change colour from red to pink to a light yellow or clear as the wound heals, and the fluid starts to go away.

Your doctor may give you information on when you no longer need the drain and when it will be removed. 

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Vein ligation and stripping is a minor surgery. It is used to remove one or more varicose veins. These are twisted, swollen veins near the surface of the skin. They are most common in the legs and ankles. The surgery can also be done to prevent venous skin ulcers from coming back after treatment.

You will probably be asleep during the surgery, but it also can be done while you are awake. If you are awake, you will get medicine to numb your leg and prevent pain. The doctor makes small cuts in the area and then ties off (ligation) and removes the vein (stripping).

After surgery, problems caused by the varicose veins should go away. Other veins in the legs will take over the work of the veins that are removed.

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Circumcision removes the skin that covers the head of the penis. This is called the foreskin. Your doctor will "push" the foreskin from the head of the penis. Then he or she will trim the foreskin and sew down the edges. Your doctor may use any one of a number of ways to do this. You will have some small stitches. They will dissolve on their own.

You may have the surgery because you can't roll back your foreskin. This is called phimosis. Or you may need the surgery because your foreskin is stuck behind the penis head. This is called paraphimosis. After surgery, these problems will go away.

Some men have this surgery for religious or social reasons.

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Hydrocelectomy is surgery to remove a hydrocele. A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac inside the scrotum.

A male can get a hydrocele on one or both sides of the scrotum. It can happen as a result of several things, such as a trauma to the area, an infection, or another problem inside the scrotum.

You will be asleep during the surgery. The doctor makes a very small cut in your scrotum. This cut is called an incision. Then the doctor drains the fluid and removes the hydrocele sac. The doctor closes the incision with stitches. The stitches don't need to be removed. They will dissolve several weeks after surgery. The incision will leave a very small scar that will fade with time.

This surgery almost always stops the buildup of fluid in your scrotum.

You may be able to leave the hospital on the same day as the surgery.

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A nephrectomy is surgery to take out part or all of the kidney. One or both kidneys may be taken out. Sometimes other tissue near the kidney is taken out at the same time.

The doctor will put special tools and a thin, lighted tube called a laparoscope through several small cuts in your belly. These cuts are called incisions. Then the doctor will remove your kidney through one of the incisions. The incisions will leave scars that will fade with time.

Your body can work fine with one healthy kidney. But if both kidneys are removed, or if the kidney you have left is not healthy, you will need other treatment after surgery. Your doctor will talk to you about this.

You will probably spend 3 or 4 days in the hospital. You will need to take it easy for 4 to 6 weeks at home.

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Laser lithotripsy is a procedure to treat kidney stones. It uses a laser to break the stones into very small pieces. These pieces can be removed during the procedure. Or they may pass out of the body in the urine.

The doctor puts the laser and other tools into your urethra and moves them into the ureter and perhaps the kidney. The urethra and ureters are the tubes that carry urine through and out of your body.

The laser is then used to break up the kidney stones. The doctor may also place a small, flexible tube inside one of your ureters. It helps the pieces of the stone pass through your body.

Most people are able to go home the same day of the procedure.

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Mitomycin is a chemotherapy drug used to treat bladder cancer.  It is a clear, purple liquid which is instilled into your bladder through a catheter (a small tube).

This will be done during your surgery and when you wake up you will still have the catheter in.  It will be clamped off for an hour to let the drug circulate around your bladder and do its work.  During this time, you may feel like you need to urinate but will not be able to until the hour is completed.  Your nurse may be able to give you some pain medication to help ease this sensation.

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Orchiectomy (say "or-kee-EK-tuh-mee") is surgery to remove one or both of your testicles. It is usually done to treat testicular cancer. It may also be done for other reasons, such as removing a damaged testicle or as part of treatment for prostate cancer.

For testicular cancer, the surgery is called a radical inguinal orchiectomy. The doctor makes a cut in the lower belly. The testicle or testicles are removed, and the cut is closed with stitches.

For a simple orchiectomy, the doctor removes one or both testicles through a cut in the scrotum.

If desired, artificial testicles (saline implants) can be put into the scrotum.

With one testicle, you can still get an erection or father a child. But if both testicles are removed, you will not be able to father a child. And you may have problems getting an erection.

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Orchiopexy (say "OR-kee-oh-peck-see") is a type of surgery. It fixes a problem called testicle torsion. This happens when a testicle twists and the cord that supplies blood to your testicle also twists. Then blood can no longer flow to the testicle.

To do the surgery, your doctor makes a cut in your scrotum. This cut is called an incision. Then the doctor untwists the cord. If the testicle looks healthy, your doctor will attach it to your scrotum with stitches. This will prevent the testicle and cord from twisting again. If the testicle looks damaged, your doctor will probably remove it. In most cases, you will go home the same day. The incision will ooze fluid for 2 or 3 days. You may have some mild to moderate pain for several days. Your scrotum will be swollen for a few weeks.

If a testicle is removed, having only one testicle should not change your ability to get an erection or father a child.

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Transurethral resection of the bladder is a surgery to remove abnormal tissue (tumour) from the bladder through the urethra. It is also called transurethral resection of bladder tumour, or TURBT.

A tumour in the bladder may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). This surgery uses a special tool to find and remove a tumour from the bladder. A small sample (biopsy) of the lining of the bladder may also be taken. Any removed tissue will be checked for cancer cells.

The doctor will put a thin, lighted tool into your urethra. This tool is called a cystoscope or scope. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The doctor will gently guide the scope into your bladder. Your bladder will then be filled with fluid. This stretches the bladder so that your doctor can clearly see the inside of your bladder. Your doctor will use small tools through the scope to take out and/or burn away any abnormal tissue. 

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Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is surgery to reduce or remove prostate tissue. It is done when an overgrown prostate gland is pressing on the urethra and making it hard for a man to urinate.

The prostate gland is a small organ just below a man's bladder. It makes most of the fluid in semen. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body through the penis. It passes through the prostate. When the prostate gets too large, it can press on the urethra.

Your doctor will give you medicine to make you sleep or feel relaxed. You will be kept comfortable. If you are awake during the surgery, you will get medicine to numb you from the chest down.

The doctor puts a thin, lighted tube into your urethra. This is called a scope. It goes in through the opening in your penis. Then the doctor puts small surgical tools through the scope. These tools are used to remove the part of the prostate that is blocking urine flow. When the doctor is finished, he or she takes out the scope.

This surgery may make it easier for you to urinate. You may have better control when you start and stop your urine stream. And you may feel like you get more relief when you urinate.

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A ureteral (say "you-REE-ter-ul") stent is a thin, hollow tube. It is placed in the ureter to help urine pass from the kidney into the bladder. Ureters are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder.

This procedure is done when something is blocking the ureter. The blockage may be caused by problems such as a kidney stone, a tumour, or an infection. The stent keeps the ureter open. After the stent is placed, urine should flow better from your kidneys to your bladder.

You will get medicine to make you sleep and to prevent pain during the procedure. The doctor will place the stent by guiding it up the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. Then the doctor will pass the stent through the bladder and ureter into the kidney. The doctor will place one end of the stent in the kidney and the other end in the bladder.

The stent may be left in place for several days. Or you may have it in place for several months. While the stent is in place, you may have to urinate more often. You may feel a sudden need to urinate. Or you may feel like you can't completely empty your bladder.

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There are several types of tummy tuck surgeries. Your doctor will discuss with you which one would be best for you.

The doctor will make a cut in the skin from one hip bone to the other. This cut is called an incision. Another incision will loosen the belly button from the tissue underneath it. Then this skin flap is pulled down from the ribs. The doctor will tighten the muscles in the belly. Excess skin and fat are taken off, and the skin is brought together and closed. A tummy tuck leaves a long scar across your lower stomach and a smaller one around your belly button. The scars will fade with time.

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In breast enlargement surgery, the doctor makes the breasts larger by putting an implant under the breast tissue and often under the chest muscle. An implant is a soft silicone shell filled with a gel.

Your doctor will make a cut, called an incision. Then the doctor will put in the implant and adjust it to the correct shape, size, and position. The incision is closed with stitches.

You may have a breast lift at the same time as the breast enlargement. A breast lift is also called mastopexy. It can raise sagging or drooping breasts. It can also pull up the nipple and the area around it.

You will be asleep during surgery. You may be able to go home the same day. The scars will fade with time. Your doctor will try to make the incisions in line with the curve of your breast as much as possible.

Your new breasts may feel firmer and look rounder. It is very important to understand that your breasts will look and feel different after surgery. You will have scars where the doctor made the incisions in your skin. The skin on your breasts may be numb. This usually gets better with time. But you may always have some loss of feeling in the nipple area.

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Breast reduction surgery removes a lot of the breast tissue and skin from the breasts. This reshapes and lifts the breasts and reduces their size. It can also make the dark area around the nipple smaller.

Your doctor makes a cut around the dark area and down to the crease under the breast. The doctor then removes extra skin and breast tissue and sews the remaining skin together.

After surgery, your breasts will weigh less. But you may have lasting scars on your breasts. And you may have less feeling in your breasts and nipples. Breast reduction may make it hard to breastfeed.

You will probably be able to go home the same day. Depending on the type of work you do, you should be able to go back to work or your normal routine in 2 to 3 weeks. The incisions leave scars that usually fade with time.

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A face-lift is surgery to firm and tighten the skin of the face and neck to make you look younger. It may remove many wrinkles, but it does not change the texture of your skin.

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Fasciectomy (say "fash-ee-EK-tuh-mee") is surgery to cut out a layer of tissue called the fascia (say "FASH-ee-uh") that lies deep under the skin. In Dupuytren's (say "doo-pwee-TRAHNZ") contracture, the fascia of the palm of the hand becomes thick and tight. This causes the fingers to become stiff and to curl toward the palm. Removing the fascia can help relax the fingers.

The doctor will make a cut, called an incision, in the skin of your palm. He or she will remove the thickened fascia. The doctor will close the incision in your palm with stitches. After surgery, you will have a scar on your palm and on one or more fingers. This will fade with time.

You will go home on the same day as the surgery. It will probably take about 6 weeks for your hand to heal. How soon you can return to work depends on your job.

For the first few weeks after surgery, you will probably need to wear a splint. You may need to do hand exercises to help reduce the swelling and stiffness. After several weeks, your hand and fingers may be more flexible. You may be better able to fully open your hand.

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A boutonniere (say "boo-tuh-NEER") deformity is an injury to the tendon that runs over the middle joint of a finger. The injury causes the middle joint to bend down and the end joint to bend up. When you have this injury, you can't straighten your finger.

Surgery involves making a cut in the skin over the joint and fixing the tendon.
You will be able to go home after the surgery. Your doctor may put a splint on your hand or finger after the surgery. If so, wear it exactly as directed. Do not remove it until your doctor says that you can.

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During the surgery, the doctor will make a cut (incision) in the skin on the side of your wrist near the base of your thumb. He or she will make a cut to open the tight band over the swollen part of the tendon. This will allow the tendon to move freely without pain. The doctor will close the skin incision with stitches. You will have a scar on the side of your wrist that will fade with time.

You will go home on the same day as the surgery.

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A boutonniere (say "boo-tuh-NEER") deformity is an injury to the tendon that runs over the middle joint of a finger. The injury causes the middle joint to bend down and the end joint to bend up. When you have this injury, you can't straighten your finger.

Surgery involves making a cut in the skin over the joint and fixing the tendon.

You will be able to go home after the surgery. Your doctor may put a splint on your hand or finger after the surgery. If so, wear it exactly as directed. Do not remove it until your doctor says that you can.

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Trigger finger release is surgery to make it easier to bend and straighten your finger. Your doctor will make a cut (incision) in the tissue over the tendon that helps bend your finger. This will allow the tendon to move freely without pain.

This surgery will probably be done while you are awake. The doctor will give you a shot (injection) to numb your hand and prevent pain. You also may get medicine to help you relax.

During the surgery, the doctor will make an incision in the skin of your finger or palm. He or she will make a cut to open the tissue over the swollen part of the tendon. The doctor will close the skin incision with stitches. After surgery, you will have a small scar on your finger or palm. This will fade with time.

It will probably take about 6 weeks for your hand to heal. After it heals, your finger may move easily without pain.

You will go home the same day as the surgery. How soon you can return to work depends on your job. If you can do your job without using your hand, you may be able to go back in 1 or 2 days. But if your job requires you to do repeated finger or hand movements, put pressure on your hand, or lift things, you may need to take more time off work.

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Adenoidectomy is surgery to remove the adenoids. These are small areas of tissue at the back of the nose and throat. They are made of the same tissue that forms the tonsils.

The doctor will do the surgery through your child's mouth.

Adenoids, along with the tonsils, may help fight infection. But it isn't harmful to have them removed. The body has many ways of fighting sickness. Children may have this surgery because they often have ear infections that don't get better with antibiotics. Or they may have problems breathing or sleeping. This surgery may help.

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Endoscopic sinus surgery is a type of surgery. It removes small bits of bone or other things that can block sinuses. This opens up your sinuses and may relieve your symptoms.

To do the surgery, your doctor puts a lighted tube into your nose. This is called an endoscope, or scope. It lets the doctor see your sinuses. Then the doctor puts special tools in the scope. He or she uses these to remove whatever is blocking your sinuses.

Most people go home a few hours after surgery. But it may take 1 to 2 months before you feel completely normal. 

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Microlaryngoscopy is a surgical procedure performed through a surgical instrument called a laryngoscope that is placed through the mouth to expose the vocal folds. A microscope is used to examine the vocal folds in detail. Using this technique, vocal fold lesions (such as cysts, polyps, papilloma, nodules or cancer) are removed without making any external incisions.

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Ear tubes are plastic and are shaped like a hollow spool. They help clear fluid from your child's middle ear. Doctors suggest tubes for children who have repeat ear infections or when fluid stays behind the eardrum.

During the surgery, the doctor makes a hole in the eardrum and inserts a tube. The tube helps fluid drain.

Most of the time, children recover quickly and have little pain or other symptoms after the surgery. Your child will probably be able to go back to school or childcare the next day.

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This operation is usually performed when there is suspicion of a cancer within the head and neck. It allows the surgeon to fully assess the oral cavity, larynx (voicebox) and oesophagus (food-pipe) to identify the extent of any growths and take biopsies.

The operation is performed with you asleep under a general anaesthetic for approximately 20 minutes.

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Parathyroidectomy is surgery to remove one or more of the four parathyroid glands in the neck. These small glands help control the amount of calcium in the body. They are found on the back of the thyroid gland. When they are too active, these glands cause high levels of calcium. This is called hyperparathyroidism (say "hy-per-pair-uh-THY-royd-iz-um"). The glands also are removed if they contain cancer.

The doctor will take out the gland or glands through a cut in the front of your neck. This cut is called an incision. You may have a tube in your neck for 1 to 4 days. The tube drains fluid from the incision.

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A broken nose is a break, or fracture, of the bone or cartilage. Most broken noses need only home care and a follow-up visit with a doctor. The swelling should go down in a few days. Bruises around your eyes and nose should go away in 2 to 3 weeks.

You heal best when you take good care of yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods, and don't smoke.

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Nasal septum repair is a type of nose surgery. It fixes the wall of cartilage between the nostrils. This is called the septum.

Surgery to straighten the septum is called septoplasty, submucous resection of the septum, or septal reconstruction. The surgery may be done along with other procedures to treat chronic sinusitis, inflammation, or bleeding. It's also done to correct sleep apnea. And it may be done to allow access into the nose to remove nasal polyps.

Doctors usually do this surgery through the inside of the nose. In most cases, no cut is made on the outside of the nose.

To do the surgery, the doctor cuts the outer membrane that lines your nose. Then the doctor lifts the membrane away from the cartilage wall. Next, the cartilage is reshaped or moved, or both. Then the doctor puts the membrane back.

After the surgery, you may have splints and packing inside and outside your nose. These help hold the cartilage in place while it heals.

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Submandibular gland removal is a type of surgery. It removes a saliva gland below your lower jaw.

You may need this surgery if you have an infection or a tumour. Or you may need it if you have a blocked saliva duct. This duct is a tube that carries saliva from the gland to the mouth.

To do the surgery, the doctor makes a cut in your neck under your lower jaw. This cut is called an incision. Then he or she removes the gland and closes the incision with stitches or glue.

If your saliva duct is blocked, the doctor may also make a small incision under your tongue. Then the doctor can take out whatever is blocking the duct.

You will probably go home on the same day as the surgery. Taking out the gland won't leave you with a dry mouth. Our mouths have many saliva glands.

For more information click here.

A thyroidectomy is surgery to take out your thyroid gland. This gland is shaped like a butterfly. It lies across the windpipe (trachea). The gland makes hormones that control how your body makes and uses energy (metabolism). A doctor removes the gland when it gets too big, does not work right, or has a tumour. Most tumours that grow in this gland are benign. This means they are not cancer.

The doctor will take out the thyroid through a cut (incision) in the front of your neck. You will likely have a tube, called a drain, in your neck to let fluid out of the cut. The drain is most often taken out before you go home.

You may go home on the same day. Or you may stay one or more nights in the hospital. You may return to work or your normal routine in 1 to 2 weeks. This depends on whether you need more treatment and how you feel. It may also depend on the kind of work you do.

Your doctor will check your incision in about a week. You may need to take thyroid medicine. If you have thyroid cancer, you may need to have radioactive iodine therapy. Your doctor will talk to you about what happens next.

For more information click here.

A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. Sometimes the adenoids are removed at the same time. These are above the tonsils and behind the nose. Your doctor will do the surgery through your mouth. You will be asleep. Most people go home that same day.

For more information click here.

To read the My Children's Tonsillectomy Journey by McMaster Children's Hospital click here.

Turbinoplasty and turbinectomy are nose surgeries. They can make it easier for you to breathe. You may have one of these surgeries if the turbinates in your nose are too large and block the airways in your nose. The turbinates help warm and moisten the air you breathe.

In a turbinoplasty, the turbinates are reshaped. In a turbinectomy, some or all of them are cut out.

Both surgeries are done through the nose.

For more information click here.

Tympanoplasty (say "tim-PAN-oh-plass-tee") is surgery to repair a hole in the eardrum. The surgery may be done to improve hearing. It is also done to stop frequent ear infections that other treatment does not help.

You will get medicine to make you sleep or feel relaxed during the surgery. You will not feel pain. The doctor will probably do the surgery through a cut (incision) behind your ear. Sometimes the surgery can be done through the opening of the ear canal. The doctor will use a small piece of your tissue to patch the hole in your eardrum. This is taken from your outer ear or the area behind the ear. If the doctor made an incision, he or she will close it with stitches.

You will go home on the same day of your surgery. Most people are able to go back to work or their normal routine in about 2 weeks. But if you must be very active or lift heavy things for your job, you may need to take up to 2 to 4 weeks off.

For more information click here.

Bartholin cysts are fluid-filled sacs in your Bartholin gland. These glands are in your lower vulva, the area around your vagina. They can become infected and form an abscess, or sac of pus.

Bartholin cysts can be treated in three ways:

Word catheter:

The doctor makes a small cut in the cyst. This cut is called an incision. Then the doctor puts a small rubber tube, called a catheter, in the incision. The catheter keeps the area open so fluid can drain out of it. This treatment can be done in the doctor's office. The doctor will numb your vulva so you feel less pain. Your doctor will take out the catheter after several weeks.

Marsupialization:

The doctor makes a small incision in the cyst. Then the doctor puts a few stitches on either side of the incision. Fluid from your cyst drains out of this small, permanent opening. This treatment can be done in the doctor's office. The doctor will numb your vulva, so you feel less pain.

Excision:

The doctor cuts out the entire cyst and sometimes the gland and duct. This is not done often. This is a more complex surgery. The doctor will numb your vulva, so you feel less pain.

Your doctor will advise you to avoid having sex for at least 2 weeks, or until your vulva is completely healed.

After one of these surgeries, your cyst and any pain in your vulva should go away.

For more information click here.

A cone biopsy (conization) is a type of surgery. It removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of your uterus. It opens into your vagina.

There are a few ways the doctor can remove the tissue. One way is to use a surgical knife called a scalpel. Another way is to use a thin wire loop that's charged with electricity. Or the doctor can use a laser.

You may be asleep during the surgery. But it is usually done while you are awake. Either way, you will not feel pain. The doctor removes the tissue through the vagina. The surgery won't leave a scar on the outside of your body.

After surgery, another doctor will look at the tissue under a microscope. He or she will check it for abnormal cells.

Most people go home 1 to 4 hours after surgery. You will probably be able to return to your normal routine in 1 or 2 days. But be sure to wait to have sex until your doctor says it's okay.

For more information click here.

A D&C removes the contents of your pregnancy. The kind of procedure you have may depend on how long you have been pregnant. Your doctor will talk with you about which options are best for you.

The doctor will place a tube in your uterus. The tube uses suction to empty the uterus.

Afterward, you may have cramps and light bleeding for up to 2 weeks.

For more information click here.

Endometrial ablation is a procedure that destroys (ablates) the uterine lining, or endometrium. This procedure is used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding. Sometimes a lighted viewing instrument (hysteroscope) is used to see inside the uterus.

The endometrium heals by scarring, which usually reduces or prevents uterine bleeding.

For more information click here.

Oophorectomy (say "oh-uh-fuh-REK-tuh-mee") is surgery to remove one or both of your ovaries. Your ovaries store and release eggs so that you can get pregnant. Ovaries also produce female sex hormones.

Your oophorectomy will be laparoscopic surgery, which requires only small cuts (incisions). To do this type of surgery, a doctor puts a lighted tube, or scope, and other surgical tools through small cuts in your belly. The doctor is able to see your ovaries with the scope. Sometimes the doctor needs to make a larger incision if it's too hard to work through the scope.

The incisions leave scars that fade with time. After your surgery, you are likely to have pain for the next several days.

If both of your ovaries are removed, you can no longer get pregnant. Removing both ovaries also makes you start menopause if you haven't started it already.

For more information click here.

A hysterectomy is surgery to take out the uterus. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes also are taken out at the same time.

The doctor makes one or more small cuts in the belly. These cuts are called incisions. They let the doctor insert tools to do the surgery. One of these tools is a tube with a light on it. It's called a laparoscope, or scope. The scope and the other tools allow the doctor to free the uterus. The doctor then removes the uterus and cervix through the vagina.

After the surgery, you will not have periods. You will not be able to get pregnant. If there is a chance that you will want to have a baby, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.

Your doctor may advise you to take hormone pills if your ovaries are removed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of hormones. He or she will also tell you how long to take them.

This surgery probably won't lower your interest in sex. In fact, some women enjoy sex more. This may be because they no longer have to worry about birth control or heavy bleeding.

For more information click here.

A loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) removes tissue from the cervix. You may have this done if you've had a Pap test that shows tissue that isn't normal.

During LEEP, your doctor will put a tool called a speculum into your vagina. It gently spreads apart the sides of your vagina. This lets your doctor see the cervix and inside the vagina. A special fluid is sometimes put on your cervix to make certain areas easier to see.

You may get a shot of medicine to numb the cervix. You may feel a cramp when you have the shot. You may also get pain medicine.

Your doctor will put a device with a fine wire loop into your vagina. The doctor uses the heated wire to cut out tissue.

For more information click here.

An operative hysteroscopy is a procedure to find and treat problems with your uterus. It may be done to remove growths from the uterus. It may also be used to treat fertility problems or abnormal bleeding.

Before the procedure, you will get medicine to make you sleep. You will not feel pain. The doctor will guide a lighted tube (called a hysteroscope) through the cervix into the uterus. The doctor will fill your uterus with liquid. The liquid will make it easier to see the inside of your uterus with the scope. The doctor will guide surgical tools through the scope to do the procedure.

When the procedure is done, the doctor will take the scope out. Most of the liquid that the doctor put in your uterus will flow out when the scope is removed.

For more information click here.

Pilonidal cyst excision is a type of surgery. It removes a cyst at the top of the crease of your rear end (buttocks). A cyst is a sac filled with fluid.

The doctor makes a cut to remove the cyst and some of the tissue around it. This cut is called an incision. The doctor may close this incision with stitches or he or she may leave it open to heal. Some open incisions take a few weeks to heal. Others can take several months. A closed incision usually takes about 4 weeks to heal. Either way, your incision will leave a scar that will fade over time.

Most people can do most of their normal activities. But it's important not to sit for a long time or do any type of hard or challenging exercise until you are fully healed.

For more information click here.

Tubal ligation is surgery to close your fallopian tubes. It's also called having your tubes tied.

To close your tubes, the doctor may band, burn (cauterize), tie and cut, or clip them. The doctor may also completely remove the fallopian tubes. After this, an egg can't move down your tubes and can't be fertilized. This means you can't get pregnant.

This surgery can be done in two ways. In laparoscopic surgery, a doctor puts a lighted tube (scope) and other tools through a few small cuts. These cuts are called incisions. One is just below your belly button. The other is lower on your abdomen. After this surgery, you will probably stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 hours. Most women can go back to work in 2 to 7 days.

After the surgery, you should not be able to get pregnant. While there is a very small chance you could get pregnant, tubal ligation is a very reliable form of birth control.

Tubal ligation won't affect your menstrual cycle or when you start menopause. It also won't affect your desire for sex. 

For more information click here.

A TVT is done to treat stress incontinence.

You may be asleep during surgery.

To do the surgery, the doctor makes small cuts (incisions) in the vagina and lower belly or upper thigh. Then the doctor places a strip of mesh tape or tissue through the incisions and under your urethra like a sling or hammock. Then the incisions are closed with stitches.

For more information click here.

Your pelvic muscles hold your pelvic organs in place. If these muscles become weak, one of your pelvic organs, such as your uterus, bowel, or bladder, may press against your vagina. Surgery for this adds support and strength to your pelvic muscles.

You will be asleep during the surgery. You will not feel pain. To do an open surgery, the doctor makes a cut (incision) inside the vagina. If you have an incision on your belly, it will leave a scar that fades over time.

After surgery, you may have less pelvic discomfort or pain during sex. The surgery may also help with any bladder or bowel problems.

For more information click here.

An above-the-knee amputation is surgery to remove your leg above the knee. Your doctor removes the leg and keeps as much healthy skin, blood vessel, and nerve tissue as possible.

Having your leg removed is traumatic. You have to learn to live with new limitations. This can be hard and frustrating. You may feel depressed. Or you may grieve for your previous lifestyle. Talking with your family, friends, and health professionals about how you feel may help. You may also find it helps to talk with a person who has had an amputation.

Even though losing a limb is a challenge, it does not change who you are. It doesn't prevent you from enjoying life. You will have to learn new ways to do things. But you will still be able to work and take part in sports and activities. And you can still learn, love, play, and live life to its fullest.

Many organizations can help you get used to your new life. For example, you can go to www.amputeecoalitioncanada.org and www.amputee.ca for information and support.

Your doctor will tell you how much of your leg should be removed. He or she will leave enough healthy skin to cover the remaining part of your leg (residual limb). You may get an artificial leg. This is called a prosthesis. If you get one, your doctor will shape your residual limb for the best possible fit.

Your doctor may sew together the skin to cover the residual limb. Or he or she may leave it open to make sure it heals as it should. In this case, the skin may be sewn together 10 to 14 days later.

After surgery, you will stay in the hospital for several days. How long you stay depends on your general health and the way your doctor does the surgery. You may spend part of your recovery in a rehabilitation (rehab) facility.

Your residual limb may heal as soon as 4 to 8 weeks after surgery. But it may take longer. The physical rehab can sometimes start within 48 hours of your surgery. It may last as long as 1 year.

For more information click here.

Achilles tendon repair reconnects the ends of the broken tendon. This lets you use your foot again in a normal way. You could have one of two types of surgery. In open surgery, the doctor makes a cut at the back of your leg. Most people go home the same day as the surgery.

You will be in a cast or walking boot for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. You may need physical therapy.

Most people can return to sports in 4 to 6 months.

For more information click here.

Arthroscopy is a way to find problems and do surgery inside a joint without making a large cut (incision). Your doctor puts a lighted tube with a tiny camera through small incisions. The camera is called an arthroscope, or scope.

This surgery can treat several problems.

• For arthritis, the doctor smooths rough surfaces of the ankle bones.
• For an ankle that does not move easily or feels as though it locks, the doctor may put back or take out a loose piece of bone or cartilage.
• For an ankle with pain and limited movement, the doctor may find and remove scar tissue
• You may go home on the day of surgery. Your ankle may be bandaged.  You will probably need about 6 weeks to recover. If your doctor repaired a broken bone or torn tissue, recovery will take longer. You may have to limit your activity until your ankle strength and movement are back to normal. You may need physiotherapy.

For more information click here.

To view Dr. Hickey's care at home after ankle surgery document click here.

Ankle fusion is surgery that helps to relieve pain and make your ankle more stable.

The doctor makes one or more cuts in the ankle to reach the ankle joint. These cuts are called incisions. The doctor uses a tool to remove the surface of the ankle joint. This prepares the joint for the next steps. Then the doctor uses screws or other hardware to align and hold the bones until they grow together (fuse). The incisions are closed with stitches or staples.

You will go home wearing a cast or a walking boot. The doctor will tell you when you can start to put weight on your ankle. It most often takes at least 6 to 8 weeks. You may need physiotherapy (rehab). You will need to use crutches or a walker during your recovery.

For more information click here.

To view Dr. Hickey's care at home after ankle surgery document click here.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery replaces the damaged ligament with a new ligament called a graft. In most cases, the graft is a tendon taken from your own knee or hamstring. In some cases, the graft comes from a donor.

Your doctor uses a lighted tube called an arthroscope, or scope. He or she puts this and other surgical tools through small cuts in your knee. Your doctor may make a larger cut to take the graft from your knee or hamstring. He or she then replaces the ACL with a graft. The cuts are called incisions. They leave scars that usually fade with time.

You will go home on the same day of the surgery. Your knee will slowly get stronger as you recover. You may be able to go back to most of your normal activities within a few weeks. But it will be months before you have complete use of your knee. It may take as long as 6 months before your knee is ready for hard physical work or certain sports.

You will need physical rehabilitation (rehab) after surgery. This will build your strength and improve the motion of your joint. At first, you will get help with the exercises. Later, you will get exercises to do on your own. The rehab will last for several months. After surgery and rehab, you should have less pain and your knee should be more stable.

How soon you can return to sports or exercise depends on how well you follow your rehab program and how well your knee heals.

For more information click here.

To do the surgery, the doctor puts a lighted tube through small cuts (incisions) in your shoulder. The tube is called an arthroscope or scope. Next, the doctor puts some surgical tools in the scope to help make needed repairs. Then he or she stitches the incisions closed. You will have scars, but they usually fade with time.

Most people go home the same day of the surgery. You will wear a sling for a few weeks.

For more information click here.

A below-the-knee amputation is surgery to remove your leg below the knee. Your doctor removes the leg and keeps as much healthy skin, blood vessel, and nerve tissue as possible.

Having your leg removed is traumatic. You have to learn to live with new limitations. This can be hard and frustrating. You may feel depressed. Or you may grieve for your previous lifestyle. Talking with your family, friends, and health professionals about how you feel may help. You may also find it helps to talk with a person who has had an amputation.

Many organizations can help you adjust to your new life. For example, you can go to www.amputeecoalitioncanada.org and www.amputee.ca for information and support.

Your doctor will tell you how much of your leg should be removed. He or she will leave enough healthy skin to cover the remaining part of your leg (residual limb). You may get an artificial leg. This is called a prosthesis. If you get one, your doctor will shape your residual limb for the best possible fit.

Your residual limb may heal as soon as 4 to 8 weeks after surgery. But it may take longer. You will need physical rehab. The rehab can sometimes start within 48 hours of your surgery. It may last as long as 1 year.

For more information click here.

Surgery for a distal biceps tendon tear repairs a tendon that is torn near the elbow. The distal biceps tendon connects the biceps muscle to the elbow bone. During the surgery, the doctor makes a cut (incision) on the inside of the arm just above the elbow. This allows the doctor to see and repair the tendon. Sometimes the doctor will make another incision on the back of the arm. He or she will reattach the tendon to the bone. Your doctor may use a button or a screw to help reattach the tendon.

If it has been more than a month since the tear, the tendon may have moved farther up your arm. This may make it too short to reattach it directly to the bone. Your doctor may use a piece of tissue called a graft to attach the tendon to the bone. The graft comes from another part of your body, such as the hamstring. Or it may come from a donor. The incisions leave scars that fade with time.

After the surgery you may have a splint or an elbow brace for 4 to 6 weeks. You may also be in a sling for a week or so. Most people go home on the same day as the surgery.

For more information click here.

An ankle may break (fracture) during sports, a fall, or a car crash. Fractures can range from a small, hairline crack, to a bone or bones broken into two or more pieces. Your treatment depends on how bad the break is.

Your doctor may have put your ankle in a splint or cast to allow it to heal or to keep it stable until you see another doctor. It may take weeks or months for your ankle to heal. You can help your ankle heal with some care at home.

You heal best when you take good care of yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods, and don't smoke.

For more information click here.

You have broken or cracked your collarbone, or clavicle. The collarbone is the long, slightly curved bone that connects the shoulder to the chest. It supports the shoulder.

A broken collarbone may take 6 weeks or longer to heal. You will need to wear an arm sling to keep the broken bone from moving while it heals. At first, it may hurt to move your arm. This will get better with time.

You heal best when you take good care of yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods, and don't smoke.

You have an important part in getting ready for your surgery. Planning ahead and getting your body healthy can make your hospital stay more comfortable. It also gets you home and helps you recover faster.

For more information click here.

A fractured elbow means that a bone has broken in or near the joint. Broken bones (fractures) can range from a small, hairline crack, to a bone or bones broken into two or more pieces. Your treatment depends on how bad the break is.

Your doctor may have put your arm in a cast or splint to allow your elbow to heal.
You have an important part in getting ready for your surgery. Planning ahead and getting your body healthy can make your hospital stay more comfortable. It also gets you home and helps you recover faster.

For more information click here.

A broken foot, or foot fracture, is a break in one or more of the bones in your foot. It may happen because of a sports injury or a fall. A compound, or open, fracture occurs when a bone breaks through the skin. A break that does not poke through the skin is a closed fracture. Your treatment depends on the location and type of break in your foot.

You may need a splint, a cast, or an orthopedic shoe. Certain kinds of injuries may need surgery at some time. Whatever your treatment, you can ease symptoms and help your foot heal with care at home. You may need 6 to 8 weeks or more to fully heal.

You heal best when you take good care of yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods, and don't smoke.
You have an important part in getting ready for your surgery. Planning ahead and getting your body healthy can make your hospital stay more comfortable. It also gets you home and helps you recover faster.

For more information click here.

A hand can break (fracture) during sports, a fall, or a car crash. The break may happen when your hand twists, is hit, or is used to protect you in a fall. Fractures can range from a small, hairline crack, to a bone or bones broken into two or more pieces. Your treatment depends on how bad the break is.

Your doctor may have put your hand in a brace, splint, or cast to allow it to heal or to keep it stable until you see another doctor. It may take weeks or months for your hand to heal. You can help it heal with some care at home.

You heal best when you take good care of yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods, and don't smoke.

For more information click here.

The kneecap (patella) is a bone that protects the front of your knee joint. It takes the brunt of any blows to your knee, such as a fall onto your knee or your knee hitting the dashboard. Symptoms of a broken kneecap (fracture) are swelling and pain, especially when moving the knee back and forth.

You may not need surgery if the fracture has not moved your kneecap out of position. But sometimes surgery is needed to move the pieces of the kneecap back where they belong and to repair damage. Whether or not you have surgery, you probably will wear a cast or immobilizer on your leg for several weeks while the kneecap heals. Wear and take care of the cast or immobilizer exactly as your doctor advises. You may need to ask for help with daily tasks.

You heal best when you take good care of yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods, and don't smoke.
You have an important part in getting ready for your surgery. Planning ahead and getting your body healthy can make your hospital stay more comfortable. It also gets you home and helps you recover faster.

For more information click here.

Your wrist can break, or fracture, during sports or a fall. The break may happen when your wrist is hit or is used to protect you in a fall. Fractures can range from a small, hairline crack, to a bone or bones broken into two or more pieces. Your treatment depends on how bad the break is.

Your doctor may have put your wrist in a cast or splint. This will help keep your wrist stable until your follow-up appointment. It may take weeks or months for your wrist to heal. You can help it heal with care at home.

You heal best when you take good care of yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods, and don't smoke.

For more information click here.

Bunion surgery (bunionectomy) removes a lump of bone from your foot. This lump is called a bunion. It forms on the joint where your big toe joins your foot. The surgery will also straighten your big toe.

Your doctor will make one or more small cuts near your toe joint. These cuts are called incisions. The doctor will remove small pieces of bone and may straighten your toe. This is done by cutting the bone and setting it in a new position. Your toe may be held in place with pins, screws, wires, or staples. These may stay in your toe. Or they may be removed after a few weeks. The surgery will leave scars that fade with time.

The surgery may make walking easier. It may reduce stiffness, pain, or swelling in your toe joint. It may also improve the way your toe looks.

For more information click here.

Carpal tunnel surgery reduces the pressure on a nerve in the wrist. Your doctor will cut a ligament that presses on the nerve. This lets the nerve pass freely through the tunnel without being squeezed. This is also called carpal tunnel release surgery.

The surgery can be open or endoscopic. In open surgery, your doctor makes a small cut in the palm of your hand. This cut is called an incision. In endoscopic surgery, your doctor makes one small incision in the wrist. Or you may have one small incision in the wrist and one in the palm. Your doctor puts a thin tube with a camera attached (endoscope) into the incision. Surgical tools are put in along with the endoscope.

In both types of surgeries, the incisions are closed with stitches. The incisions leave scars that usually fade in time.

You may be asleep during the surgery. Or you may be awake and have medicine to numb your hand and arm so you won't feel pain.
You will go home the same day as the surgery. When you can go back to work depends on the type of work you do.

For more information click here.

Your doctor fixed a broken (fractured) bone without surgery. You can expect the pain from the bone to get much better almost right after the procedure. But you may have some pain for 2 to 3 weeks and mild pain for up to 6 weeks after surgery.
You may have hardware on the outside of your body. This is to support the fracture as it heals. The doctor will remove the pins and hardware when the bone is healed.
You heal best when you take good care of yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods, and don't smoke.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

You have an important part in getting ready for your surgery. Planning ahead and getting your body healthy can make your hospital stay more comfortable. It also gets you home and helps you recover faster.

For more information about closed reduction in adults click here.

For more information about closed reduction in children click here.

Surgery for “tennis elbow” or tendon surgery takes out damaged parts of tendons from the elbow. Your doctor may also reattach healthy tendon to the bone. Tendons connect muscle to bone.

Your doctor will make one small cut, called an incision, over the bony area on the outside of your elbow. He or she will then take out the damaged part of the tendon. Your doctor will close the incision with stitches or staples. The incision will leave a scar that usually fades over time.

After surgery, you may go through a rehabilitation program (rehab). After rehab, you will probably be able to use your elbow and arm without pain. You probably will be able to return to normal activities, such as playing tennis and other sports.

You will go home on the day of the surgery. You may need a brace at work. You also may need a brace when you play sports that stress the elbow and forearm, such as tennis.

For more information click here.

Foot amputation is surgery to remove part or all of your foot. Your doctor will leave as much healthy skin, blood vessel, and nerve tissue as possible. You will be asleep during the surgery.

Your doctor will tell you how much of your foot should be removed. He or she will leave enough healthy skin to cover the residual limb or the remaining part of your foot. Some people get an artificial foot. This is called a prosthesis. If you get one, your doctor will shape the remaining part of your leg or foot for the best possible fit.
Your doctor may sew the skin closed to cover the residual limb or remaining part of your foot. Or he or she may leave it open to make sure that it heals as it should. In this case, the skin may be sewn together several days later. Or it may be left open to heal on its own. Skin that is left open can take a few months to close.

Having part or all of your foot removed is traumatic. Learning to live with new limitations can be hard and frustrating. You may feel depressed. Or you may grieve for the lifestyle you used to have. Talking with your family, friends, and health professionals about your frustrations may help. You may also find that it helps to talk with a person who has had an amputation.

Remember that even though losing part or all of your foot is a challenge, it does not change who you are or prevent you from enjoying life. You will have to adapt and learn new ways to do things. But you will still be able to work and take part in sports and activities. And you can still learn, love, play, and live life to its fullest.

Many organizations can help you adjust to your new life. Websites for some of these include www.amputee.ca, www.amputeecoalitioncanada.org, and www.canadianamputeesports.ca.

For more information click here.

Open reduction with internal fixation is a type of surgery to fix a broken (fractured) bone. The doctor makes a cut, called an incision, in the skin over the bone. The doctor then moves the pieces of bone back into the normal position. This is called open reduction. The doctor may use special screws, pins, plates, or rods to hold the bone in place while it heals. This is called internal fixation. These devices may stay in your body from now on. The doctor closes the incision with stitches. You will have a scar, but it will fade with time.

You may spend from a few hours to a few days in the hospital. This depends on how serious your injury is. It usually takes 6 to 12 weeks for a broken bone to heal.
Your broken bone (fracture) was put into position and stabilized. You can expect some pain and swelling around the cut (incision) the doctor made. This should get better within a few days after your surgery. But it is normal to have some pain for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery and mild pain for up to 6 weeks after surgery.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

You have an important part in getting ready for your surgery. Planning ahead and getting your body healthy can make your hospital stay more comfortable. It also gets you home and helps you recover faster.

For more information click here.

Ganglion cyst removal is surgery to remove a ganglion that has caused pain or numbness or made it hard to do your activities. A ganglion is a small sac, or cyst, filled with a clear fluid that is thick like jelly. The cyst may look like a bump on your hand or wrist. Less often, a ganglion can appear on the feet, ankles, knees, or shoulders.

The doctor made a cut (incision) in the skin over the ganglion. He or she removed the ganglion and the connecting tissue that allowed fluid to collect there. Then the incision was closed with stitches. You may have a splint over the area to limit movement until the area heals.

You have an important part in getting ready for your surgery. Planning ahead and getting your body healthy can make your hospital stay more comfortable. It also gets you home and helps you recover faster.

For more information click here.

Hammer toe surgery straightens a curled toe that causes problems and does not get better with other treatment. Your doctor will make one or more small cuts on your deformed toe joint. These cuts are called incisions. Your doctor will make them to release the tendons that are holding your toe. Then he or she may remove pieces of bone. Your toe may be held in place, such as with a pin or wire. The pin or wire may stay in your toe, or it may be removed after about 3 to 6 weeks. Sometimes a pin is placed so that it sticks out the end of your toe. Then it can be removed without another surgery.

Most people can go home right after this surgery. You may be able to go back to your normal routine within 3 to 6 weeks. But it may take longer to recover. You should be able to walk on your toe within a day after surgery. But you may need crutches for a few days.

For more information click here.

After surgery, you will need to take care of the incision as it heals. Doing so may limit scarring, may help you avoid pain or discomfort, and may help lower the risk of problems like infection.

Your doctor used either stitches, staples, tissue glue, or tape strips to close the incision. And you will need to keep the area clean, change the dressing according to your d You have an important part in getting ready for your surgery. Planning ahead and getting your body healthy can make your hospital stay more comfortable. It also gets you home and helps you recover faster.

For more information click here.

Arthroscopy is a way to find problems and do surgery inside a joint without making a large cut (incision). Your doctor puts a lighted tube with a tiny camera and surgical tools through small incisions in your knee. The camera is called an arthroscope, or scope.

In this surgery, your doctor may:

• Remove or repair a torn piece of cartilage or loose bone.
• Replace a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear with a piece of tissue. This repair is called a graft.
• Smooth the rough surfaces of your joint.

Most people go home on the day of the surgery or the next day. If you have a simple injury, it may at least 6 weeks to recover. It may take longer if your doctor had to repair damaged tissue. You will need to limit activity while your knee heals. You may need to have physiotherapy (rehab) to help your knee get stronger.

For more information click here.

To view Dr. Hickey's care at home after knee arthroscopy surgery document click here.

Shoulder arthroscopy is a type of surgery. It lets a doctor repair shoulder problems without making a large cut (incision).

To do this surgery, the doctor puts a lighted tube through small incisions in your shoulder. The tube is called an arthroscope or scope. Next, the doctor puts some surgical tools in the scope to help make any repairs. The incisions will leave scars that usually fade with time.

This type of surgery is used to treat many shoulder problems.

Osteoarthritis
This happens when your cartilage breaks down. Cartilage is the hard, thick tissue that cushions the joints. For this problem, the doctor shaves and smooths rough surfaces on the shoulder joint.

Loose body:
This is a loose piece of bone or cartilage. It's often caused by an injury. The doctor may put the loose piece back in place. Sometimes the piece is removed.

Impingement syndrome:
This happens when shoulder tissue starts to swell and rub against a bone. This can occur in the tendons of the rotator cuff. Or it may happen in the tendons that connect the bicep to the shoulder. It can also occur in the bursa, the sac between the rotator cuff and the top of the shoulder blade. To fix this problem, your doctor removes the bursa and part of the bone from the point of your shoulder. This increases the space in the shoulder area. In a few weeks, the bursa re-forms.
Shoulder arthroscopy is also used for other problems. These include rotator cuff problems, bicep tendon tears, and shoulder instability. This information does not cover these surgeries.

Most people go home on the day of the surgery. When you can go back to work or your usual activities depends on your shoulder problem. You will probably need about 6 weeks or longer to recover.

For more information click here.

To view Dr. Alolabi's shoulder arthroscopy (rotator cuff or labral repair) document click here.

To view Dr. Alolabi's shoulder arthroscopy (no rotator cuff or labral repair) document click here.

In shoulder replacement surgery, a doctor removes the end of the upper arm bone. Often they also take out the end of the shoulder bone. The ends are replaced with plastic or metal pieces.

For more information click here.

After a surgery, fluid may collect inside your body in the surgical area. This makes an infection or other problems more likely. A surgical drain allows the fluid to flow out.

The doctor puts a thin, flexible rubber tube into the area of your body where the fluid is likely to collect. The rubber tube carries the fluid outside your body.

The most common type of surgical drain carries the fluid into a collection bulb that you empty. This is called a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain. The drain uses suction created by the bulb to pull the fluid from your body into the bulb. The rubber tube will probably be held in place by one or two stitches in your skin. The bulb will probably be attached with a safety pin to your clothes or near the bandage so that it doesn't flip around or pull on the stitches.

Another type of drain is called a Penrose drain. This type of drain doesn't have a bulb. Instead, the end of the tube is open. That allows the fluid to drain onto a dressing taped to your skin. The drain may be kept in place next to your skin with a stitch or a safety pin in the tube.

When you first get the drain, the fluid will be bloody. It will change colour from red to pink to a light yellow or clear as the wound heals and the fluid starts to go away.

Your doctor may give you information on when you no longer need the drain and when it will be removed. 

For more information click here.

Patient Booklet: Patient Education - Your New Hip

Physio Clinics In and Out of Town:

• BCHS Preferred Physiotherapy Clinics
• Out of Area Clinic Partners

For more information on physiotherapy, click here.

Patient Booklet: Patient Education - Your New Knee

Physio Clinics In and Out of Town:

• BCHS Preferred Physiotherapy Clinics
• Out of Area Clinic Partners

For more information on physiotherapy, click here.

Tooth extraction is the complete removal of a tooth, from the part of the tooth that you can see to the roots that are in the jawbone. Damage caused by tooth decay is the most common reason for a tooth's extraction. Other reasons for removing a tooth include infection or injury. Removing the tooth can help keep an infection from spreading to other parts of the mouth. And some teeth may be removed to prevent or correct crowding in the mouth.

A blood clot will form in the tooth socket after the extraction. The clot protects the bone during healing. If that blood clot gets loose or comes out of the socket, you may have a dry socket, which exposes the bone. A dry socket may last for several days and can cause severe pain. If you get a dry socket, your oral surgeon must be notified.

For more information click here.

You heal best when you take good care of yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods, and don't smoke.

For more information click here.

After a surgery, fluid may collect inside your body in the surgical area. This makes an infection or other problems more likely. A surgical drain allows the fluid to flow out.

The doctor puts a thin, flexible rubber tube into the area of your body where the fluid is likely to collect. The rubber tube carries the fluid outside your body.

The most common type of surgical drain carries the fluid into a collection bulb that you empty. This is called a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain. The drain uses suction created by the bulb to pull the fluid from your body into the bulb. The rubber tube will probably be held in place by one or two stitches in your skin. The bulb will probably be attached with a safety pin to your clothes or near the bandage so that it doesn't flip around or pull on the stitches.

Another type of drain is called a Penrose drain. This type of drain doesn't have a bulb. Instead, the end of the tube is open. That allows the fluid to drain onto a dressing taped to your skin. The drain may be kept in place next to your skin with a stitch or a safety pin in the tube.

When you first get the drain, the fluid will be bloody. It will change colour from red to pink to a light yellow or clear as the wound heals and the fluid starts to go away.

Your doctor may give you information on when you no longer need the drain and when it will be removed. 

For more information click here.