Information for surgery patients

• On the morning of the operation, take your regular medication with minimal amount of water (except for blood thinners, which should be discussed with the doctor when planning the operation).
• Patients are asked to bring the medications they take on a daily basis (such as insulin for diabetics or an inhaler for patients with asthma) and a list of the medicines including their doses to the clinic.

In the case of surgery under general anaesthesia, do not eat for 6 hours before the surgery or drink, chew gum or smoke for 4 hours before the surgery. However, please note that excessive fasting (12 hours or more) before the surgery is also not recommended as it can cause nutrient deficiencies and dehydration.

• For pain relief (if there are no contraindications), take paracetamol 1 g three times a day and/or ibuprofen 400-800 mg three times a day for up to five days to reduce swelling and pain (including the evening of surgery; more detailed instructions will be provided by the attending physician).
• After orthopaedic surgeries, apply an ice pack to the operated area three to four times a day for 20-30 minutes over two to three days (including the evening of surgery). An ice pack can also be placed on the wound from time to time.
• If the operated limb is swollen, elevate it and perform the recommended exercises to improve blood circulation.
• If signs of infection appear (increased swelling and a different temperature in the operated area, fever over 38 °C), you should follow your doctor’s instructions or go to the nearest emergency department.
• After orthopaedic surgery, the load on the operated limb will be determined by your doctor and provided on the information sheet.
• Your family doctor will extend your sick leave, unless otherwise agreed.

Proper wound care promotes rapid and smooth wound healing. Always follow the wound care instructions and/or orders provided by your doctor or nurse. Use the recommended dressing materials and tools for proper wound care. 

Do not hesitate to ask for advice and if you have any questions or doubts, feel free to contact your doctor or nurse. 

The first 24 to 48 hours are critical for wound closure, after which the wound edges are considered closed to the external environment. Sutures, clips or wound glue hold the wound edges together. 

• Keep the wound clean and dry throughout the recovery period to promote healing and prevent infection. 
• Wash your hands before changing the wound dressings. The wound can be cleaned with wound care products you can find in the pharmacy (e.g. NaCl 0.9% saline solution, Prontosan solution or spray, wound or mucosal antiseptic), unless instructed otherwise.   
• Dry the wound with clean swab or towel and then cover the wound with a bandage or dressing. 
• The wound can be washed the day after surgery or as instructed by the doctor/nurse. 
• Before washing, remove the bandage or dressing and wash the wound under lukewarm running water, unless your doctor or nurse has told you otherwise. Let the wound air dry or gently pat it dry with a clean cotton swab. Do not rub the wound! If needed, apply a new dressing to the wound. If the wound is dry and shows no signs of infection, you can leave it uncovered. 
• The timing of the suture removal will be decided by your doctor. This usually takes place 10 to 14 days after surgery (later if necessary). 
• You can go to the sauna, take a bath or swim the day after the sutures are removed. 
• The dressing placed on the wound after suture removal can be removed the following day. 

 You can schedule an appointment with a surgical nurse or, if you prefer, your family doctor/nurse to remove the sutures. 

After surgery, the wound may become slightly red, there may be a tingling or itching sensation or bruising, and the wound may be tender. These are normal symptoms and will resolve on their own over time. 

However, complications may occur after any surgical intervention: wound infection (foul-smelling discharge from the wound, open wound edges), bruising, bleeding, swelling, damage to the skin nerves, etc., which may prolong the healing process. If problems arise, contact your family doctor or your treating physician. Outside working hours or in case of severe complications (high fever, intense pain in the operated area, breathing difficulties, etc.), please go to the nearest emergency department. 

The recovery process and speed depend on the diagnosis and the complexity of the surgery/procedure performed, the course of the surgery and the patient’s involvement in follow-up care. Recovery and sick leave duration vary for different surgeries. 

Your doctor will tell you the estimated length of the recovery period. However, every case is different and it is difficult to predict the exact course of recovery. 

If complications occur, the recovery period will be longer; therefore, it is necessary to follow the pre- and post-operative requirements and recommendations as much as possible (including avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption, diet, treatment of chronic diseases, movement, performing exercises recommended by the physiotherapist and doctor, and other rehabilitation). 

Patients arriving to the hospital for overnight treatment are offered dinner on the day of arrival and breakfast on the day of departure. 

• Perishable food is not allowed to be kept in the room.
• Please store labelled food items in the refrigerator for patients, which is located in the lounge area.
• It is also possible to use the microwave in the lounge area. Staff can assist you if needed.
• If you are staying for several days, meals are provided three times a day based on a set menu.

Approximate daily schedule 

06:00-07:30 – wake-up, nurse’s visit, procedures 

07:30-08:30 – dressing changes, medications 

08:30-09:00 – breakfast (food served in the room) 

09:00-09:30 – doctor’s visit, unless otherwise agreed 

12:00-13:00 – lunch (food served in the room) 

14:00-17:00 – procedures, consultations 

17:00-18:00 – dinner 

20:00-22:00 – evening procedures 

22:00-06:00 – quiet hours 

The staff is happy to assist you with any questions or concerns! 

Visiting hours are Monday to Friday from 16:00 to 18:30 and weekends from 10:00 to 14:30. At other times, visiting your close ones is possible by prior agreement with the doctor or nurse on duty. 

Visitors may bring you personal items and everyday necessities. 

For the health and safety of our patients, visitors with the following symptoms are not allowed: 

• signs of upper respiratory tract infection, including cough and runny nose
• diarrhoea
• persons who have been in contact with sick family members, relatives or colleagues.

Please note that parking at the hospital is subject to a fee.