Patient Resources & Clinic Information
Welcome to your resource hub. Whether you are preparing for an upcoming surgery with Dr. Henson or recovering at home, this information is designed to help guide you through the process safely and comfortably.
Pre-Surgery Checklist
Proper preparation is key to a successful surgery and smooth recovery. Please review these general guidelines, noting that specific instructions may be provided by our clinical staff based on your procedure.
- Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery unless explicitly told otherwise by the anesthesia team.
- Medications: Stop taking blood thinners, aspirin, and certain anti-inflammatory medications 7 days prior to surgery, as directed by Dr. Henson. You may take essential morning medications (like blood pressure pills) with a small sip of water.
- Bathing: Shower the night before and the morning of your surgery using an antibacterial soap (like Hibiclens) if provided by our office. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, or deodorants to the surgical area.
- What to Bring: Your photo ID, insurance card, a list of your current medications, and a responsible adult to drive you home.
General Post-Operative Care
While each procedure (bariatric, hernia, general) has specific recovery protocols, these general guidelines apply to most of our surgical patients:
Pain Management
You will experience some discomfort after surgery. Alternate over-the-counter Tylenol and Ibuprofen as directed, and only use prescribed narcotic pain medications for severe pain. Narcotics can cause severe constipation, so transition off them as quickly as possible.
Incision Care
Keep your incisions clean and dry. If you have steri-strips (white paper tapes) or surgical glue, do not pick or pull at them; they will fall off naturally. You may shower after 48 hours, letting soapy water run over the incisions, but do not submerge in a bathtub or pool.
When to Call the Doctor
Please contact our Hickory clinic immediately if you experience:
- A fever of 101°F or higher.
- Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or foul-smelling drainage from your incisions.
- Nausea and vomiting that prevents you from keeping liquids down.
- Shortness of breath or chest pain (Call 911 or go to the nearest ER).
- Inability to urinate within 8 hours of returning home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I schedule an appointment with Dr. Henson?
You can schedule a consultation by calling our clinic directly or by using the Wake Forest Baptist online portal linked on our home page.
Will my surgery be robotic, laparoscopic, or open?
Dr. Henson is an advanced robotic surgeon and prioritizes minimally invasive techniques (robotic or laparoscopic) whenever safely possible to minimize your recovery time. The best approach for your specific anatomy and condition will be discussed during your consultation.
How long will I be out of work?
This depends heavily on your procedure and the physical demands of your job. For minimally invasive gallbladder or hernia surgeries, patients with desk jobs often return in 1-2 weeks. Jobs requiring heavy lifting may require 4-6 weeks of restricted duty. Bariatric surgery patients usually require 2-4 weeks.