Post Operative Instructions

General for all procedures:

• Low-grade fever below 101.5 degrees is common and should subside with Tylenol.  Please call the office if fever persists.
• Constipation is also very common and can be prevented with the use of stool softeners, high fiber diet foods (prune juice,bran cereals, fruits, vegetables) and increase water intake. If constipation does occur a suppository or fleets enema may be tried. Many narcotic medications such as percocet, oxycontin, or vicodan can cause constipation and should be used only as needed. Motrin and Tylenol do not cause constipation.
• Urination may be painful secondary to bladder catheterized during surgery. In most cases this will subside in 24-48 hours. Increase fluid intake post surgery and cranberry juice is a good idea. If the discomfort does not subside, please call the office.

Laparoscopic Procedures:

• Shoulder Pain is very common and is created by the gas used during the procedure. The gas irritates the diaphragm, which shares nerves that supply the shoulder area. This will subside in 24-48 hours.
• Nausea is frequently caused by anesthetic drugs. Remain on clear fluids until the nausea subsides and then advance your diet slowly. You should be starting to feel more like your normal self in 24-48 hours.
• Incision drainage is normal in small amounts. If redness, swelling or increased drainage occurs, please call the office.
• Vaginal bleeding in small amounts is normal. In uterine procedures your period may resume irregularly at first. Call if the bleeding is excessive. Please call the office if you are soaking more than one pad per hour.

Abdominal or Vaginal Hysterectomy Procedures:

• Post-operative pain should improve daily. Narcotics can be used during the first week to two weeks after surgery. Motrin is an excellent pain reliever after surgery and should be started as soon as possible in place of narcotics
• Bowel Disturbances after surgery are common. Constipation is very common. You should experience your first bowel movement 24-48 hours after discharge. If not please try suppositories first and then a fleets enema if needed. If you have had rectal surgery, enemas are not to be used. Please call the office for instructions.
• Gas Pain is also common and can be relieved with increased movement and walking. Over the counter anti-gas may also be helpful.
• Incision drainage in small amounts is to be expected. If any active bleeding or leaking occurs, please call the office immediately.
• Fatigue in general is very common up to six weeks post - operatively. It is especially pronounced the first two weeks after surgery. Listen to your body and rest!
• Sexual Intercourse in general is safe six weeks post-op. Take it slow! There may be some pain and tenderness especially after vaginal surgery.
• Vaginal bleeding in small amounts is normal for the first two weeks. The bleeding should subside after that. If it becomes excessive and greater than one pad per hour, please call the office.
• Hormone Imbalances are common post- operatively and should be discussed with your doctor at the post- operative office visit.

Please make a follow up appointment two weeks from your surgery date unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. It is very important to follow up after your surgery