• Resume your preoperative routine medications.
• Take your pain medications and/or antibiotic as explained to you by our nurses.

Constipation:

• Some changes in your bowels are normal following any surgery. Constipation may last for a couple of weeks after the procedure.
• To prevent constipation, drink 6-8 glasses of fluids per day, eat high fibre foods, prunes, etc. Metamucil or Coloxyl & Senna are okay. Call during office hours if these methods are ineffective.

Wound Care:

• Keep your dressings for 48 hours, and then it is ok to peel them off while you are having your shower.
• No baths or swimming pool exposure for 4 weeks if you had a total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), or for 1 week for any other procedures e.g. removal of cysts, ovary(s).
• It will take up to 6 months for your incision to mature into its final form. Ridges and raised red scars will diminish in time and smooth out.
• Notify your local doctor or call the rooms if the wound becomes red, irritated, or purulent discharge develops. A small amount of blood or clear discharge is normal initially.
• Some mild abdominal distention and/or cramping are normal. Occasionally, patients report right shoulder pain. A warm heating pad and walking should relieve the discomfort.
• Sutures will dissolve and fall out in 2 to 3 weeks, you don’t have to remove them, just keep them clean and dry.

Activity:

• After surgery, take it easy for a 4 or 5 days before resuming your routine.
• No driving for a week after surgery or while you are on prescription pain medications. Please make sure your health insurance company is going to cover you when you start driving.
• It is important to be up and out of bed, walking, but you may fatigue easily. It is important to get enough rest.
• There is no limit to stair climbing.
• Limit yourself to light housework (i.e., dusting) for 1 week.
• No intercourse for 6 weeks if you had a Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and for 2 weeks if you had any other laparoscopic procedure. Gradually increase your level of activity; and remember to listen to your body – IF IT HURTS – DON’T DO IT!

Normal Post-Op Changes:

• You will be bloated for 1-2 weeks following your surgery. This will improve with activity.
• Some abdominal bruising is normal, as is drainage and small bleeding from your incisions.
• Vaginal bleeding and discharge are normal for up to 6 weeks.

Follow-up:

• If not already scheduled, please call our office at your earliest convenience to make an appointment for 2 weeks after your surgery.
• If you have questions or concerns before this appointment, please call the rooms for assistance.
• Reports from biopsies and final histopathology specimens will be received by Dr. Walker within 5 to 7 working days. Dr. Walker will contact you with the results or discuss them with you on your follow-up visit.

Download: Discharge Information – Laparoscopic Surgery (PDF)