Post-Operative Care Instructions for Urogynecology Surgery

Limitations & General Information

1) Activity after the Urogynecology Surgery

AFTER THE SURGERY

• The recovery varies individually; within a day after the surgery, the patient can have movement around, but the patient should refrain from work and other daily activities in the first few days after the surgery.
• Showers after 24 hours after the surgery are permit. The patient should wash the wound, do not rub the wound just pat dry it.

AFTER THE SURGERY WITHIN 2-4 WEEKS 

The surgical wound does not heal well and energy-consuming physical activities should be limited.

1. No driving
2. Avoid tub baths or in a pool for 4 weeks
3. No heavy lifting (more than 15 lbs.) for 2 weeks
4. No cutting the lawn, shoveling snow, raking leaves, etc., for 4 weeks
5. Use the stairs infrequently. Take one step at a time, and have assistance available for 4 weeks

AFTER THE SURGERY WITHIN 4-6 WEEKS 

• The patient may start your usual activities, lifting light weights and taking relaxing exercise are permitted, yet avoiding heavy activities.
• 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.

FOR 6 WEEKS AFTER THE SURGERY

• The patient should refrain from and energy-consuming running, swimming, heavy lifting, cycling, other heavy activities, as well as sexual intercourse.

2) Diet after the Urogynecology Surgery

• 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.

3) Home medication after the Urogynecology Surgery

• Do not take Aspirin products for 1-2 weeks or as directed.
• 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.
• If there is a problem taking or getting the medication, please contact us.

4) Catheter and wound care After the Urogynecology Surgery

• Do not remove the dressing from the wound unless instructed. If you are home with a bandage, it is usually removed after 48 hours.
• Your sutures will dissolve over time (within 6-8 weeks), 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.
• If the wound becomes red, inflamed, has excessive drainage or pus coming from any wound, please contact the hospital immediately.
• Expect some spotting or bleeding from your incision for the next 1-2 weeks in vaginoplasty surgery, if it progressively worsens then, please call the hospital center.
• 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.

5) Bowel movements after the Urogynecology Surgery

• 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 Docusate Sodium, Metamucil or Milk of Magnesia at your local pharmacy.

6) When to contact your Doctor after the Urogynecology Surgery

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

7) Contacting your physician after the Urogynecology Surgery

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