If you have a procedure performed through the groin access, you’ll need to rest for a few hours and remain lying flat.
It’s very important that you lie still and don’t bend your knee(s) for the next 4-6 hours to reduce the risk of bleeding from the catheter insertion site. If you need to use the bathroom, you can call the nurse to help you use the bedpan or urinal. If you’re in pain, ask for pain relief.
The nursing team will monitor you, regularly checking your heart rate, blood pressure and urine output. You should report any sudden pains or warm wet/sticky sensation, as this could mean there’s bleeding at the site and pressure may need to be reapplied.
Your doctor will talk you through the results and let you know if you need to make a follow-up appointment.
Your hospital stay
You may be allowed to go straight home once the monitoring is complete or your doctor may decide to keep you in overnight.
Leaving hospital
You’ll need someone to drive you home. If you leave hospital on the same day as the procedure, arrange to have someone stay with you for the rest of the day and be prepared to lie down and rest.
You’ll be advised not to drive for 24 hours.
If you plan to fly home, check with the airline whether they place restrictions on people flying after stenting procedures. Let your doctor know if you have a long drive home, as this may need to be delayed.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.