Small Bowel Obstruction Surgery Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for small bowel obstruction surgery: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Activity Restrictions
- •No heavy lifting, >10 lbs for 4-6 weeks
- •No driving while taking opioid pain medication
- •Gradually increase activity based on comfort
Wound Care
- •Keep incision clean and dry
- •Watch for signs of infection: redness, warmth, drainage, fever
- •Do not pick at scabs or stitches
Small Bowel Obstruction Surgery recovery, day by day
Wound Care
- Keep surgical dressing clean and dry
- Do not remove bandages unless instructed
- Watch for signs of excessive bleeding
Pain Management
- Take pain medication as prescribed
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling, 20 min on, 20 min off
- Keep the surgical area elevated if possible
Activity
- Rest is essential today
- No driving for 24 hours after anesthesia
- Have someone help you at home
Movement
- Short walks to prevent blood clots
- Avoid lifting anything over 10 lbs
- Change positions every 1-2 hours
Wound Care
- Follow instructions for bandage changes
- Keep incision clean and dry
- Do not submerge in water, no baths, pools, hot tubs
Diet
- Start with clear liquids, advance as tolerated
- Eat high-fiber foods to prevent constipation
- Stay well hydrated
Healing Progress
- Bruising and swelling should begin to improve
- Gradually increase activity as tolerated
- Continue wound care as instructed
Medication
- Transition from prescription to OTC pain relief as directed
- Complete any prescribed antibiotics
- Report any new symptoms to your doctor
When to call your provider or 911
- •Call 911 now for trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or swelling of the face or throat
- •Call your clinic promptly for fever or chills, bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure, or pain not controlled by your clinician-approved plan
- •Call your clinic for hives or another possible allergic reaction that is not affecting breathing or causing facial or throat swelling
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Redness, warmth, or pus at the incision site, signs of infection
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Sudden increase in swelling or pain after initial improvement
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Numbness or tingling that worsens
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 3
Wound Check
Verify incision is clean, dry, and healing properly
- Day 7
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 8
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 14
Ongoing Recovery Review
Review any remaining symptoms or restrictions with the care team before changing your routine.
For clinics
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