Post-Operative Instructions for Urogynecology Surgery

Activity

  • No heavy lifting (more than 15 lbs.) for 4 weeks.
  • No driving for 3 weeks (1 week for an implant).
  • Use the stairs infrequently. Take one step at a time, and have assistance available.
  • No cutting the lawn, shoveling snow, raking leaves, etc., for 4 weeks.
  • No sexual activity for 6 weeks after surgery.
  • Showers after 24 hrs  after the surgery are okay. It is okay to wash the wound, do not rub the wound just pat dry it. Avoid tub baths or swimming in a pool for 1  week.
  • Regular light activity is encouraged several times daily. Walking is encouraged.If discomfort returns then reduce activity, take it easy, and more gradually resume activities.

 

Diet

  • Drink plenty of fluids. 24-32 oz over your usual daily fluid intake is recommended. Limit fluids after 6 PM. Avoid tea, coffee (including decaf) and pop.
  • Resume a regular diet at home. Take high calorie supplements if appetite is poor.
  • If you have a special diet secondary to Diabetes, Renal Disease, Liver Disease, etc. you may resume eating when tolerated.

 

Medication

  • Please take the medications as prescribed by your doctor. Start them on day of discharge, and please complete the entire prescription.
  • Take pain medication only as needed. Try Tylenol or Motrin for milder pain. You will typically be discharged with your old medications and new pain medication, antibiotics and stool softeners.
  • Resume all medications you normally took before surgery, unless instructed otherwise.
  •  Do not take Aspirin products for 1-2 weeks or as directed.
  • If there is a problem taking or getting the medication, please contact us.

 

Catheter and Wound Care

  • Do not remove the dressing from the wound unless instructed. If you are home with a bandage, it is usually removed after 48 hrs.
  • Your sutures will dissolve over time (about 1 -2 months) and do not need to be removed, please let them fall off on their own rather than removing them. You may take some antihistamine   if there is itching in the surgical area especially in labiaplasty case.
  • If the wound becomes red, inflamed, or has excessive drainage, please contact your doctor immediately.
  • If you notice pus coming from any wound, please call your physician.
  • Expect some spotting or bleeding from your incision for the next 1 week in labiaplasty  surgery  and 4-6 weeks in vaginoplasty  surgery, if it progressively worsens then please call your physician.
  • If you have a catheter in place, wash around it gently with soap and water. Keep the catheter taped to your thigh or abdomen to avoid inadvertent jerking or pulling. Do not disconnect the catheter from the drainage bag unless directed by your doctor.

 

Bowel Movements

  • Do not strain when having a bowel movement. Expect irregular bowel habits after surgery until fully recovered. Increase fiber in your diet.
  • You may need to use a stool softener or laxative. Try Colace (Docusate Sodium), Metamucil or Milk of Magnesia at your local pharmacy.

 

When to Contact your Doctor

  • Excessive bleeding or passage of large clots. Also if you feel your bladder is not draining or if you are unable to urinate.
  • Fever greater than 101º F, excessive chills.
  • Nausea and vomiting or inability to keep down fluids.
  • If you have any questions or concerns that are not covered by this handout.
  • Significant tenderness or swelling in the legs, chest pain, shortness of breath.
  • If it is a serious emergency, go the Emergency Room or call your country’s local Emergency number.

 

Contacting Your Physician

Dr. Vitasna usually requires patients to come for a follow up check up 5-7 days after surgery. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.