What to Expect Before & After Gynecological Surgery

Arriving at the Hospital or Surgery Center

• We will ask you to sign a consent form if you have not already done so. It states that you agree to have surgery. It will explain exactly what kind of surgery you are having.

• We may ask you to give a urine sample before surgery. This is to make sure you are not pregnant.

• The anesthesiologist will meet with you to discuss pain control options and give you anesthesia for surgery.

• We will give you acetaminophen (Tylenol). This will help decrease pain from surgery.

• We may place compression sleeves around your lower legs. These will help prevent blood clots.

• We will offer you a special blanket or gown to keep you warm.

• We will take you to the operating room.

Right after surgery, you will be in a recovery space where you will wake up from surgery. Your nurse will check your bleeding, surgical cut, and vital signs throughout your stay to watch how well you are recovering.

What to Expect the First 24 Hours

• You may have ice chips right after surgery.

• You may start eating and drinking as soon as you feel ready. This is usually about 2 hours after surgery. We encourage you to drink water or other liquids to stay hydrated.

• We will remove your urine catheter in the first 2 hours, if you have one. You will be able to urinate on your own.

• We will give you medicine to help with any pain or cramping. You may also ask for medicine for itching, nausea and shivering.

• We will instruct you on when to remove your bandage and how to care for your surgical cut (if you have one) at home.

• You may begin showering the day after surgery or as directed by your surgeon.

• You should be walking at least 3 times a day

Before you go home your surgeon will give you specific instructions to follow at home. These will include information about:

• When you may use a bathtub, swimming pool or hot tub

• What kind of exercise is safe

• How much weight is safe to lift

• When you may drive or operate machinery

• Problems to watch for and when to see a doctor

• When to come back to see the surgeon

After You’re Home

• Call your surgeon’s office with any questions or if you need support.

• Rest often.

• Drink plenty of water (the amount you normally need to feel hydrated). For many people this is 8 glasses a day. Drinks with caffeine are okay in moderate amounts.

• Try to take at least 3 short walks each day or as much as you are able. Slowly increase your activity each day.

• It is okay to climb stairs, but use the handrail in case you get dizzy.

• Follow your surgeon’s advice on when to return to normal activities and to work.

• If you were given an incentive spirometer: Try to cough, breathe deeply and use your breathing device (spirometer) every 15 to 30 minutes when awake. This will help prevent breathing problems and fevers.

Incision Care

• The area around your incision may be numb. This should go away over several months.

• Keep the incision dry and covered for the first 24 hours.

• Remove your bandage after 24 hours, even if you have some drainage. Leave your skin open to the air. It is okay to cover it during the day if your clothing rubs against it.

• If you have Steri-Strips (small pieces of tape) across the incision, leave them in place. They will fall off on their own. If they are still in place after a week, you can remove them.

• Don’t use ointments, oils, lotions or creams on your incision unless told to use them.

• Avoid nicotine (smoking, vaping), if possible. Nicotine can slow healing.

Contact MetroPartners OBGYN

If you have any questions about your specific gynecological surgery, it’s best to consult your provider. Give MetroPartners OBGYN a call and schedule an appointment today if you are in need of gynecological surgery.