1) Post-Operative Processes after the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension
After the surgery, the surgical wound needs to be covered with a gauze pack to stop the bleeding. You may also need a urethral catheter for 2-3 days after the surgery.
You will be monitored in our recovery room for 1-2 hours. When you are conscious with normal vital sign, the anesthesiologist will allow you to be monitored in Inpatient Building. Nausea and vomiting may be experienced, as a side effect of the General Anesthesia, which is noted to be relieved as soon as its effect wears off.
In the Inpatient Building, you will be given an antibiotic to prevent post-operative infection, a laxative drug to prevent constipation, an anti-inflammatory drug and an acetaminophen to lessen the wound pain.
2) The symptom and processes after the Anterior Posterior Vaginal Repair
Pain levels depend on an individual’s pain tolerance. Pain varies from person to person. If the pain cannot be relieved from the acetaminophen, the nurse will administer an analgesic by injection as ordered by Dr. Vitasna.
Within the first 2-3 days after the surgery, 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 surgery, the urinary catheter will be removed. Dr. Vitasna will remove a gauze pack, and she will clean the surgical wound with antiseptic, and then the surgical wound will be covered with the Tegaderm® to prevent moisture around the surgical wound, which may potentially cause infection.
Dr. Vitasna will allow you to return home after the following things are checked….
- 1. No abnormal bleeding occurs from the surgical wound.
- 2. You can have urination after the urinary catheter removal.
- 3. You are asked to well review post-operative care instructions.
3) Post Operative Care Instructions at home
At home, you must take an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory drug, a laxative drug, and an acetaminophen. The antibiotic should be completely consumed according to schedule.
After 2-3 days of the surgery, 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 surgery, 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.
Dr. Vitasna will have a post-operative appointment with you in 1 week after the surgery, 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 surgery, cleaning the perineum area 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.
4) Things you should know after the Anterior Posterior Vaginal Repair
You may experience light reddish bleeding out of the surgical wound in around 1 week after the surgery. 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
After the surgery, you may have all kinds of food, but should refrain from alcoholic drinks, pickled food, and smoking for about 2 weeks.
After the surgery, 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.
5) Recovery period after the Suprapubic Uterine Suspension
Recovery varies individually. You may return to work after 3-5 days of the surgery. Dr. Vitasna will have a post-operative appointment with you in 1 week after the surgery, you should follow Dr. Vitasna’s appointment for follow up examination or treatment.
Within the first 2 weeks after the surgery, 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 surgery, 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 surgery, 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 at least 6-8 weeks after the surgery.
If you decide to have a consultation with Dr. Vitasna, please call or e-mail a member of staff to make an appointment date for the surgery.