Preparation For Day of Surgery:
- To prevent the possibility of increased bleeding, do not take aspirin or other blood thinners for 7 days before the procedure.
- Clean your genitals and surrounding area very well.
- Wear loose-fitting underwear/clothing.
- Make arrangements for someone to drive you home after surgery.
What to Expect After Procedure:
Diet: You may return to your normal diet after surgery.
Activities:
- You should remain relatively inactive the first 72 hours following surgery. We do encourage walking around for a few minutes every one to two hours to maintain good circulation, but otherwise, no activity.
- After three days, you may resume your daily routine but should continue to avoid high-impact activities such as running, skiing, or boating as well as activities that put direct pressure on the scrotum such as riding a motorcycle, ATV, or snow machine for a total of 6 weeks after surgery.
- Ice packs should be placed on and off the genitals for the first 48 hours. Frozen peas or an ice pack can be frozen, used and re-frozen. Fifteen minutes on and 15 minutes off is the recommended schedule. Use a thin cloth or towel in between the skin and ice pack to reduce skin irritation. Ice is a good pain reliever and keeps the swelling down.
- Avoid all forms of sexual activity for four to six weeks after surgery. Erections, in general, should be avoided; however, erections that occur while sleeping cannot be controlled and thus some pain upon waking is normal. In some instances, these erections can cause early disruption of stitches that can result in prolonged healing, i.e. prolonged restrictions. They can also sometimes lead to bleeding.
- If bleeding occurs, hold pressure on bleeding site for 10 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding, does not stop after three rounds of applied pressure, contact us.
Wound: In most cases, your incision will have absorbable sutures that will dissolve within the first three weeks. Some will fall out even earlier. Expect some redness as the sutures dissolve, but this should occur only around the sutures. If there is generalized redness, especially with increasing pain or swelling, which suggest infection, let us know. The bruise or coloration is common, and it will go away.
Hygiene: You may shower 48 hours after surgery. Tub bathing is restricted for 4 weeks.
Medications: You may alternate Tylenol with NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen every 4-6 hours as needed. Avoid Aspirin, because it may cause bleeding. If these medications don’t control pain, please contact us.
Problems to Report:
- Fever or 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
- Moderate or severe swelling under the skin incision or involving the scrotum.
- Redness of the genital area that appears to be spreading.
Follow-Up
Contact Information
If you need to contact us for post-operatively concerns, if symptoms are mild to moderate or of low concern, please call Tel: 952-922-9999, or 1-888-992-0019. If you symptoms are severe and/or very concerning, please text Dr. Shu with your questions and pictures as instructed.