Post-Operative Care Instructions for Suprapubic Uterine Suspension

1) Post-operative processes after the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension

• You may experience dizziness caused by the General Anesthesia, so you should take a rest until recovery.
• You will be monitored at the recovery room for 1-2 hours. When you are conscious with normal vital sign, the anesthesiologist will allow you to be monitored in the Inpatient Building.
• In the Inpatient Building, you will take an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory, and an acetaminophen, as prescribed by Dr. Vitasna. In case of no recovery from the acetaminophen, you should inform the nurse to ask for the analgesic injection. You should take a rest to monitor and reduce pain and inflammation around the surgical wound.
• After the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension, the surgical wound needs to be covered with a gauze pack to stop the bleeding, and you may also need a urethral catheter for 2-3 days after the surgery.
• Within the first 2-3 days after the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension, you will be able to have movement and walk around. You should not take a shower, which may potentially cause infection (perhaps rub the body dry), cleaning the perineum area after fecal excretion may be done using water and toweling gently.
• After 2-3 days of the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension, the urinary catheter will be removed. Dr. Vitasna will remove a gauze pack, and she will clean the surgical wound with antiseptic, then the surgical wound will be covered with the Tegaderm® to prevent moisture around the surgical wound.

Dr. Vitasna will  allow you to return home after the following things are checked…

• 1) No abnormal bleeding from the surgical wound.
• 2) You are asked to well review post-operative care instructions.
• 3) You can have urinated by yourself after the urinary catheter removal.

2) Post-operative care instructions at home after the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension

• At home, you must take an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory drug, an acetaminophen, and a laxative, especially the antibiotic should be wholly completed.
• After 2-3 days of the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension, you are allowed to take a quick shower to avoid the water get in to the surgical wound, which may potentially cause infection.
• Within the first 3-5 days after the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension, you should take a rest (refrain from work) and be still to enable the wound to heal faster, and have little movement as possible to avoid wound disruption.
• You may experience light reddish bleeding out of the surgical wound in around 1 week after the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension. In case of excessive bleeding or reddish blood clot, swollen wound and high fever, please contact the Center immediately for suggestions or come to see Dr. Vitasna for the surgical wound examination.
• Dr. Vitasna will have a post-operative appointment with you in 1 week after the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension, she will check the surgical wound, and you may need to keep the Tegaderm® for one more week in case of incomplete healing of the surgical wound.
• Within the first 2 weeks after the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension, cleaning the perineum after urinary excretion may be done with sanitary wipes, and after fecal excretion done using water and toweling gently. You should try to avoid moisture around the surgical wound to keep the area dry to let it heal faster.
• After the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension, you may have all kinds of food, but should refrain from alcoholic drinks, pickled food, and smoking for about 2 weeks.
• After the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension, you may experience itching or green-curd like discharge as a result of vaginal fungal infection, possibly following taking antibiotic to avoid post-operative infection, and needing anti-fungal medication or suppository.

3) Recovery period after the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension

• Recovery varies individually. You may return to work after 3-5 days of the surgery. Moreover, you should follow Dr. Vitasna’s appointment for follow up examination or treatment.
• Within the first 2 weeks after the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension, tissues are beginning to produce and form new blood capillaries, and the surgical wound are expected to start healing. You may start your daily activities gradually.
• After the first 2 weeks to 4 weeks after the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension, the surgical wound is expected to heal appropriately, you may start your usual activities gradually. Strenuous physical activities should be limited.
• After 4 weeks of the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension, you may do your usual activities. Relaxing exercises and lifting light weights are permitted. However, you should refrain from running, soaking in the bathtub, swimming, heavy lifting, cycling, other heavy activities, and sexual intercourse for 6-8 weeks after the surgery.

4) Suture removal after the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension

• The material (s) used is the suture which dissolves slowly (within 6 weeks). However, for some women, the suture takes longer than 6 weeks to completely dissolve, consequently causing irritation. For women who experience itching caused by the dissolving sutures and the process of healing, you will be prescribed antihistamine to control the itching.

5) Appointment after the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension

• Dr. Vitasna will have a post-operative appointment in 1-2 weeks after the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension or as appropriate. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.