Surgical Breast Biopsy Information
Instructions Before Surgery

The following information will help you to prepare for your upcoming surgery. We hope this information may help to make this experience more comfortable for you. If you have any questions regarding the instructions, please contact the Breast Care Center staff.

• YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT WITH YOU TO DRIVE YOU HOME. It is unsafe and against hospital policy to permit you to drive home after surgery when you have received any medication that might slow your responses (anesthesia, pain medication, or any medication to relieve anxiety).

• NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT on the night prior to your surgery. Any medications that you take should be taken at the usual time with a sip or two of water. People with diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses should contact their primary care physicians for directions. Inform us if you are taking Coumadin® or other blood thinning medication.

• DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN or aspirin containing products for 10 days prior to your surgery. Tylenol® is okay. Stop vitamin E for ten days before your surgery. The amount of vitamin E in a multivitamin is okay.

• Wear comfortable clothing: a two-piece, loose outfit with a zipper or buttons in front is the easiest to put on. Some women prefer a loose dress with zipper or buttons in front. Wear a supportive non-wire bra (such as a sports bra or a bra with fasteners in the front). The bra will provide comfort and support after your procedure. PLEASE WEAR A BRA FOR 3-4 DAYS FOLLOWING SURGERY, EVEN WHILE YOU SLEEP. This minimizes post-operative bleeding and will make you more comfortable.

Surgical Breast Biopsy Information
Instructions After Surgery

Pain Management

• People experience different types and amount of pain or discomfort following surgery. The goal of pain management is to assess your own level of discomfort and to take medication as it is needed. You will have better results controlling your pain if you take pain medication before your pain is severe.
  
  
• You will be given a prescription for Vicodin® for pain. It is recommended that you take medication for pain on a regular schedule when pain is felt. After a biopsy, most people find that it is sufficient to use ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) or Tylenol®. You can start with ibuprofen and add Vicodin® (or another drug) as needed for comfort. People are different. If one plan to decrease your pain is not working, it will be changed. HEALING AND RECOVERY ARE IMPROVED WITH GOOD PAIN CONTROL.
  
  
• An ice pack may be helpful to reduce pain and swelling, but it is not required. It will probably not benefit you after the first 24 hours.
  
  
• Please notify us of any drug allergies or reactions. Vicodin® is a narcotic and should not be taken with alcoholic drinks. Do not use narcotics while driving.
  
  
• Narcotics can cause or worsen constipation, so increase your fluids, eat high fiber foods (like prunes and bran) and make sure you are up and walking.
  
  
• CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR NURSE IF MEDICATION IS NOT HELPING YOUR PAIN, IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MEDICATION(S) OR YOU ARE CONSTIPATED.

Incision (Scar) and Dressing Care

• Your scar has both sutures and steri-strips (small white strips of tape) and is covered by gauze and plastic dressing.
  
  
• DO NOT REMOVE THE STERI-STRIPS OR SUTURES. We will remove the dressing in 7-10 days. We will also remove the sutures (unless they absorb on their own) in one to two weeks. If the dressing or steri-strips fall off, do not attempt to replace them.
  
  
• You may shower the day after the surgery if the plastic dressing is on.
  
  
• If you have gauze and paper tape, you may remove it 2 days after surgery and shower after that. Towel dry your incision thoroughly after showering. BE CAREFUL NOT TO TOUCH OR REMOVE THE STERI-STRIPS OR SUTURES.
  
  
• Bruising or slight skin discoloration often occur after surgery. If you experience a great deal of swelling, please call the Breast Care Center.
  
  
• A low-grade fever (under 100ƒF) is normal the day after surgery.

Activity

• Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise until the stitches are removed.
  
  
• Walking and most regular activities may be resumed by the next day.
  
  
• If possible, plan to take the day off or plan a lighter day following the surgery.

Follow-Up Care

• The pathology results from your biopsy should be available within one week after your surgery.
  
  
• We will contact you with the results by telephone or at your next post-operative visit. Please let us know the telephone number where you may be reached.
  
  
• Follow-up appointments are generally made before surgery with your physician and possibly a nurse. Please contact the Breast Care Center if you do not have or remember an appointment.