Frequently Asked Questions

What is general surgery?

The focus of this General Surgery is on the abdominal organs. General surgeons are highly skilled surgeons that operate on abdominal complaints such as hernia, gall bladders, appendicitis, bowel and intestinal problems.

What do I do if I need my pain medication refilled, or changed to another medication or if I have an allergic reaction?

If you are having an allergic reaction, call Davenport Surgical Group promptly at 563-823-9300. Please keep in mind that pain medication refills or changes are only available Monday through Friday during our regularly scheduled business hours. Our hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm and Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm.

If I have any problems what telephone number should I call?

Our office number is 563-823-9300. It will be answered either by our staff during our regularly scheduled business hours, or our physician's exchange who will contact the physician on call available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What if my incision starts to bleed?

Apply direct pressure to the wound for 15 minutes. Apply ice compresses. If bleeding does not stop in 15 minutes, call Davenport Surgical Group at 563-823-9300.

How do I know if I have an infection?

Evaluate your wound for redness and swelling. If it feels hot or hard to the touch or you experience an increase in pain or a fever greater than 102 degrees, call Davenport Surgical Group at 563-823-9300.

What if I need any medical supply (ie. breast prosthesis, ostomy supplies or dressings for wound care)?

Call Davenport Surgical Group at 563-823-9300. A written prescription will be required for most medical supplies.

Immediately after surgery if my pain is not very well controlled, what should I do?

Apply ice packs, as needed, to your incision. If you’re not allergic and have no contraindications to NSAIDs, you may alternate your prescription pain medication with an NSAID such as Aleve or Ibuprofen. Call Davenport Surgical Group at 563-823-9300, if you do not show improvement.

When can I take a bath?

You may shower 24 hours after your surgery. Do not take a bath until seven days after your surgery. Do not take a bath, go swimming or sit in a Jacuzzi if your wound is open or draining.

How soon after breast surgery can I begin my recommended exercises?

You may not initiate arm or shoulder exercises until your drain or drains have been removed. After that, you may increase the intensity of your exercises as tolerated.

What do I do if I haven't had a bowel movement in more than 3 days after surgery?

We recommend walking, increasing your oral fluids and increasing dietary fiber. You may take 100mg of Colace twice daily, one dose of MiraLAX daily or 30-60 ml of MOM (Milk of Magnesia). Please call Davenport Surgical Group at 563-823-9300 if the above recommendations do not help.

What if my Jackson-Pratt drain stops working?

Call Davenport Surgical Group at 563-823-9300.

When can I start driving my car?

Please follow doctors recommended weight restrictions given upon discharge. Most physical activities may be resumed as pain allows unless your doctor has advised you of any specific limitations.

When is it safe to resume my normal activities?

Please follow doctors recommended weight restrictions given to upon discharge. Most physical activities may be resumed as pain allows unless your doctor has advised you of any specific limitations at discharge or at your post operative visit.

When can I have sex?

You may engage in sexual intercourse as pain allows you to participate.

What do I do if I have diarrhea?

We recommend increasing fiber in your diet, eating yogurt with active bacteria (ex. Activia or greek yogurt), taking baths (allowed seven days after surgery) and applying Desitin to your rectum for pain relief.

What are your office hours?

Our hours are Monday through Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm and Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm. After hours our exchange will contact the surgeon on call.

Where can I learn more about the surgery or problem I have?

View our Davenport Surgical Group Patient Resources here.

What hospitals or surgery centers does Davenport Surgical Group work with?

Our surgeons have privileges at Genesis Medical Center Davenport, Unity Point Trinity in Bettendorf, and several go to Select Specialty Hospital in Davenport. We also perform outpatient procedures at Jackson County Regional Hospital in Maquoketa. Several surgeons perform cases at Mississippi Valley Surgery Center and Crow Valley Surgery Center.