INGUINAL LYMPHNODE DISSECTION
Discharge Instructions Following Dissection
Continue walking
The walking will help you build strength. Gradually increase the amount of walking you do each day. Take planned rest periods during the day. The best gauge is your own body and how you feel. It is very important that you continue walking when you are discharged from the hospital. Not only will this build strength but will also aid in preventing blood clot formation in the legs.
Stairs should not be avoided
Take them slowly at first. You may wish to group your activities, so that you do not have to make many trips up and down stairs during the first week you are home.
Driving should be avoided
Driving should be avoided for at least 4 weeks after surgery or until you are pain free without medication. Take breaks every couple of hours if you are on extended trips. Get out of your car and walk around a bit.
Bathing /Shower Instructions
Patients can scrub their bodies upon discharge from the hospital with lukewarm water and soap. Bathing/ showering should be avoided as you risk getting your incisions/dressings wet. Tub baths or hot tubs in the first 2 weeks are discouraged as this will allow for prolonged soaking of your incisions and increase the risk of infection. If your wound sites get wet, these must be patted dry immediately after scrubbing. You can resume bathing/showering with soap and water once the wounds have healed and sutures have been removed.
Managing your incisions
- Mild pain in incisions is normal/continue to take pain medications as advised.
- Itching over wounds is a frequent occurrence and nothing to worry about.
- Dressing over the wound should remain dry. Please visit for dressing change if they get soaked.
Managing your tubes
- There are tubes(drains) in your thigh regions that are draining fluid (lymph) from the operated area. These tubes shall be removed once the output is low. Till that time care of the tubes is of utmost importance.
- Remember to pick up the drains before you start walking to avoid unexpected pull/tug as this may cause the tubes to slip out.
- Ensure that suction in the drains is maintained at all times. Reapply suction in the drains as and when required.
- The drains should be emptied at 8 am daily and the total daily output for each side be recorded separately in a chart.
Groin/Genital Swelling
Right after surgery, you may have some swelling in your genitals and groin region. This is normal, the swelling should go away over a few weeks.
Thigh/Leg Swelling
- Swelling in the thighs and legs is expected after surgery.
- To avoid permanent swelling, it is advisable to wear thigh length compression stockings for 3 months.
- Stockings are to be worn during day time and when moving around. These can be removed during night time (while sleeping)
- Leg elevation is advisable during night time. Keep your legs on two pillows stacked over each other.
Diet
There are no dietary restrictions specific for this procedure/disease. Dietary restrictions for diseases like diabetes/hypertension should be observed.
Medications
- As per your discharge papers
- Continue medication for heart, thyroid or diabetes as before.
- Blood thinners like Aspirin/Ecosprin/Clopidogrel to be restarted only after discussion with surgical team and cardiologist.
- Regular follow up as advised
Red Alert Signs: Reasons to Call the Physician
- Your incision becomes red or swollen
- The skin around your incision is warmer than elsewhere and is slightly red
- There is drainage(pus/fluid) from your incision
- There is an opening in your incision if visible.
- There are chills or fever of 101degree Fahrenheit or more.
- Severe pain that is not relieved by pain medications.
- Drains slip out on their own
- There is leakage around the drain site and fluid is not draining via the drain.