Tolnitch Surgical Associates, PA
2301 Rexwoods Drive, Ste 116
Raleigh, NC 27607

Lisa Tolnitch, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Nancy Crowley, M.D., F.A.C.S
Gayle DiLalla, M.D., F.A.C.S
Keith D. Amos, M.D.

Telephone: 919-782-8200   Fax: 919-781-0440


BREAST LUMPECTOMY with or without SENTINEL NODE BIOPSY
POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Dressing:
    • If present, leave ACE wrap in place until the next morning. May re-wrap if needed. If a SurgiBra was given for you to wear, keep this on until otherwise instructed at your follow-up appointment.
    • If your dressing is waterproof (clear), you may shower the day after your surgery. If your dressing is not waterproof, you will need to keep your dressing dry (sponge-bath) until your next office visit.
    • If you experience any skin irritation from the dressing, you may remove it.
  2. If you have a drain in place, the nurses at the hospital will educate you on how to care for it and record the output before you leave. Based on the drain output, we will have you come into the office to have the drain removed.
  3. To alleviate discomfort,
    • Wear a comfortable bra for support
    • You may use an ice pack, if desired, for the first 12 hours. After the first 12 hours, you may use warm moist heat.
    • You may take prescription pain medication given by your doctor or Tylenol/Advil (check Tylenol amounts).
  4. You may also receive a prescription for an antibiotic.
  5. The site of your lumpectomy may be black and blue or yellow. This will go away with time.
  6. Avoid rigorous activities such as running, aerobics for (one week) and avoid swimming for two weeks.
  7. Do not drive or operate any heavy machinery the day of your surgery or while on pain medication.
  8. Call our office (782-8200) if you:
    • Experience a fever and/or chills.
    • Experience a large amount of bleeding.
    • Have any questions or concerns.
  9. The final pathology will be available within 48-72 hours of your procedure. When the report is received, our office will call you with the results.
  10. We will call you the day following your lumpectomy to schedule a follow up appointment.