GENERAL MEASURES

• Hospital stay may be 2 to 4 days.
• To keep lungs clear, cough frequently while using appropriate support. Deep breathing aids are frequently available.
• Once home, someone should be available to help care for you for the first few days.
• Use an electric heating pad or a warm compress to relieve incision pain or gas pains.
• Shower as usual. You may wash the incision gently with mild soap.
• Use sanitary napkins–not tampons–to absorb blood or drainage (discharge is normal, but has an unpleasant odor).
• Aftereffects of surgery may include constipation, urinary symptoms, fatigue and weight gain.

MEDICATION

• After surgery, medicines for pain, gas, nausea or constipation may be prescribed.
• Antibiotics if infection develops.

ACTIVITY

• To help recovery and aid your well-being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able. Recovery at home may take 1 to 3 weeks, with full activities resumed in 6 to 8 weeks.
• Resume driving once you can operate the vehicle without pain, usually 1-2 weeks.
• Sexual relations may be resumed in 4 to 6 weeks (or when advised).

DIET

Clear liquid diet until the gastrointestinal tract functions again
Then eat a well-balanced diet to promote healing.

NOTIFY OUR OFFICE IF

Any of the following occurs:

• Vaginal bleeding that soaks more than 1 pad per hour.
• Increased pain or swelling in the surgical area.
• Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.

Postoperative Care Instructions

Cesarean Section

Episiotomy

Dilatation and Extraction

Dilatation and Curettage

Vaginal Hysterectomy