Download Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm or Aorto

Patient Care Path
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm or
Aorto-Bifemoral Bypass Graft
Thank you for choosing Greenslopes Private Hospital for your upcoming surgery.
We appreciate that surgery can be a stressful experience. The staff caring for you have developed this information so
that you will know what you can expect during your stay.
This is however, only a guide and your progress may vary from this outline.
Please read this information and if you have any questions or concerns at any time, please discuss these with your
Nurse or Doctor.
Expected Length of Hospital Stay: Up to 7 nights
Our Expectations
1. You will be provided with written information about your rights and responsibilities whilst in our care at
Greenslopes Private Hospital
2. If you have any concerns about your ability to cope after your surgery, please discuss this with Nursing staff over
the phone on 1800 777 101, or on admission to hospital
• Please note, community services are not always readily available and not all patients are eligible for funded services
3. Please bring your medications and any test results related to your surgery, into hospital
4. Prior to discharge:
• your pain will be controlled with medication
• your wound will be clean, dry and continuing to heal
• you will be able to mobilise safely, with a walking aid if necessary
Your Expectations
On Arrival to the Hospital
• You will be taken to the ward where a Nurse will complete a medical history if this was not completed prior to your
admission
• Your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and weight will be checked
• You may have a blood test, heart tracing and other tests, as requested by your Doctor
• If you take regular medication, you will continue to do so throughout your stay unless otherwise instructed
by your Doctor
• If you have any concerns about how you will manage at home, please discuss this with your Nurse. You may
be referred to the Care Coordinator who will assess your situation for any eligibility and availability of postdischarge services
If you have any questions about your surgery or hospitalisation
please ask your Nurse or Doctor
Before Surgery
• You will be unable to eat or drink anything for six (6) hours prior to your surgery.
• If you have been taking any blood-thinning or anti-inflammatory medication (such as aspirin, warfarin
or alternative medicines), please advise your Nurse
• The operation site will be clipped prior to your shower and you will be dressed in a theatre gown and
disposable underwear
• Some patients will be nursed in the Intensive Care Unit after this surgery
• You may have a urinary catheter inserted into your bladder to monitor your urine output
• The Anaesthetist will visit you before you go into surgery, you may be given some medication to help you relax
After Surgery
• You will return to the ward or Intensive Care Unit as ordered by your Doctor
• Your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, wound dressing, leg circulation and pain level checked regularly
• An intravenous drip will be used to administer medications and keep you hydrated
• It is important to tell the Nursing staff if you have pain
• Your pain will be controlled with regular medication. An infusion that provides continuous local anaesthetic will
assist with your wound pain. The Nursing staff will educate you on how to use it
• If required you will have a tube inserted into your nose to keep your stomach empty
• Your wound will be covered with a dressing
• Nursing staff will help you with all of your hygiene needs
Day 1 Following Surgery
• If you are in Intensive Care:
– The Intensive Care Doctor will visit you today and will monitor your progress and treatment
– You may return to the ward either later today or tomorrow
• Your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, wound dressing and pain level checked regularly
• The intravenous drip will continue to keep you hydrated and provide regular pain medication
• The urinary catheter and drain will remain today
• Your wound will be covered with a dressing
• You will be unable to eat or drink
• If you have a nasal tube it will remain as ordered by your Doctor
• The Physiotherapist will visit you today to show you deep breathing and other exercises to help your recovery.
They may assist you to walk a very short distance
• Nursing staff will assist you with all of your hygiene needs
Day 2 following Surgery
• Your Doctor will visit you today
• You will have your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, wound, leg circulation and pain level checked regularly
• Your intravenous drip and pain medication will continue. You will have regular medication for pain. It is important to
tell Nursing staff if you have pain
• You may be able to have a small amount of ice or sips of water, as ordered by your Doctor
• The Physiotherapist will visit you today and continue your exercises and mobilisation until you are independent
• Early progression of your walking and regaining your independence in daily activities is essential to a good
recovery. To do this, it is important to advise your Nurse when you have pain and take regular pain relief
• Nursing staff will assist you with all of your hygiene needs
Days 3–7 Following Surgery
• Your Doctor will visit you daily
• You will have your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, wound and leg circulation checked regularly
• You can have regular medication for pain. It is important that you advise Nursing staff if you have pain
• Your wound will be checked daily and the dressing changed as required
• Your nasal tube will be removed as ordered by your Doctor
• Your urinary catheter will be removed as ordered by your Doctor.
• Once your catheter is removed it is important to tell your Nurse when you want to pass urine. After you have been
to the toilet your Nurse will use a scanner over your abdomen to check that your bladder is emptying properly. This
procedure may be repeated 2–3 times and can take up to 4–6 hours to complete
• Over the next few days, your diet will increase gradually from clear fluids to a full diet, as per your Doctor’s orders.
Please check with the Nursing staff daily about your diet restrictions
• Your intravenous drip will be removed when you are tolerating diet and fluids
• Bowel habits are sometimes disrupted after surgery. If you are concerned, your Nurse can offer advice on ways to
resolve this common problem
• The Physiotherapist will continue to visit you regularly to help improve your strength and mobility. You will be
encouraged to sit out of bed regularly
• Nursing staff will help you with your hygiene and toileting needs as required
Discharge Day
• Your Doctor will visit you today
• You will be mobilising independently, with an aid if required
• Medications will be dispensed by the Pharmacist, if required
• Arrangements for a follow-up appointment and wound care instructions will be explained to you before you
go home
• If you have a drip in your arm it will be removed before you go home
• Discharge time is 10am. Please arrange for someone to collect you by this time
Discharge Advice
You Should
Take medication for any pain, as prescribed
Leave wound dressing in place until your Doctor tells you to remove it
Remember to exercise regularly, and moderately with regular rest periods
Remember that you will tire easily for a couple of months after your surgery, so get plenty of rest, stay well
hydrated and eat a well balanced diet
Contact your Doctor if you begin to feel unwell or start experiencing fevers, increasing pain, swelling or bleeding
from your wound/s
You Should Avoid For a period of time as advised by your Doctor
Heavy lifting, straining or strenuous exercise
Driving
We thank-you for the opportunity to care for you
Greenslopes Private Hospital
Newdegate Street
Greenslopes QLD 4120
ph: 07 3394 7111 – fax: 07 3394 7031
www.greenslopesprivate.com.au
PI7010A (06/15)