Home Page

Date issued: June 2023

Review date: June 2025

Ref: C-539/HF/Gynae/Post operative care advice

PDF:  Post Operative Care Advice Gynae final June 2023.pdf[pdf] 149KB

There are lots of different operations that are performed in gynaecology and you will find specific information related to these. This leaflet provides a general guide for going home.

Before you leave the hospital

• Make sure that you fully understand the operation that you have had. There will be details of your admission on your discharge summary and occasionally a separate letter is sent to you and your GP.

• You should have already been given a specific leaflet related to your operation, if you have not been given this then please ask. The leaflets are available on the University Hospital Plymouth website and there are QR codes on the walls of Ocean ward that you can scan.

• You will be advised which painkillers are most suitable for you. These will usually be paracetamol and ibuprofen or sometimes stronger pain relief such as codeine and naproxen. Make sure you have a supply of paracetamol and ibuprofen ready at home.

• Any follow up plans will be documented on your discharge letter. This may be an open follow up (when you need to be in contact with us if you wish to be seen) or an appointment in the gynaecology out patient department either on the phone or in person, with a doctor or a nurse. Occasionally you will be asked to attend the ward for a review. Many patients do not need to be seen post operatively.

• If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to one of the nurses before you leave.

For 24 hours after your operation

• Do not operate machinery or appliances i.e., a cooker or a kettle, because you may feel suddenly dizzy, lightheaded, or forgetful.

• Do not lock the bathroom door or make yourself inaccessible to the person looking after you.

• Drink plenty of fluids and eat a light diet, avoiding heavy or greasy foods.

• Avoid alcohol.

• You may need to arrange some time off work.

• Do not make any important decisions or sign legal/ important documents

Wound healing

Any sutures (‘stitches’) in your tummy often do not need to be removed but if they do it will usually be done between 5 to 10 days after the operation either in hospital or in the community,  this will be organised before you are discharged. If you had any internal stitches these will dissolve within 6 weeks by themselves. If you notice any redness, discharge or notice that the wound is becoming more painful then please contact your GP or Ocean ward. Numbness, tingling, a slight lumpiness and pulling sensations are generally normal and should improve over time.

Pain

Pain, discomfort and bruising over your wound can last a couple of weeks. Simple analgesia such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can be taken as per the pack instructions. If you are requiring stronger analgesia, please inform your GP or Ocean ward.

Vaginal discharge

Bleeding from the vagina can be normal after many operations but it should get lighter gradually and not be offensive smelling. As you heal, the bleeding should lessen. You should use sanitary towels rather than tampons, as using tampons could increase the risk of infection. If you have offensive smelly discharge or an increase in bright red bleeding including passing clots, please inform your GP or Ocean ward.

Hygiene

To help prevent infection it is important to wash down below and change your pads regularly. Some dressings are waterproof so you are able to have a shower with them on but ensure the wound or dressing is dry following washing. Baths should be short and avoid any bubble baths. 

Pelvic floor exercises

The muscles of your pelvic floor help to support your bowel and bladder. Pelvic floor exercises can be helpful to avoid incontinence and these can be started as soon as you are comfortable. There is NHS guidance online as to how to do these effectively. 

Lifting

After major surgery we advise that you try to avoid heavy lifting for up to 3 months as this can affect the healing process.

Opening Bowels

It may take a few days for your bowels to return to normal after your operation. It is important to avoid straining and constipation. This can be done by mobilising, drinking plenty of fluid and eating healthily. You may find it more comfortable to hold your abdomen (provide support) the first one or two times your bowels move. If you do have problems opening your bowels, it may help to place a small footstool under your feet when you are sitting on the toilet, so your knees are higher than your hips. If possible, lean forwards and rest your arms on top of your legs to avoid straining. If you require laxatives, these are available from your local pharmacy.

Rest and mobility

After surgery, you may feel more tired than normal and need some extra help for a couple of weeks. It is important to remain mobile such as walking around the house and walking upstairs. Keeping mobile can help prevent blood clots and avoid constipation.  If your mobility is reduced, you may be advised to wear TED stockings or you may be discharged with blood thinning injections (such as Clexane) for a short while until your mobility is back to your baseline. Build up your activity gradually and be guided by how your body responds.

Eating and Drinking

You are able to eat and drink as normal after your surgery however some people find that their appetite is reduced or they feel more bloated than usual. These symptoms usually resolve as you become more mobile and begin to eat and drink normally. Eating little and often can be helpful.

Driving

You should not drive for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic. Each insurance company will have its own conditions for when you are insured to start driving again. Check your policy.  Before you drive you should be:

• Free from the sedative effects of any painkillers

• Able to sit in the car comfortably and work the controls

• Able to wear the seatbelt comfortably

• Able to make an emergency stop

• Able to comfortably look over your shoulder to manoeuvre.

It is a good idea to practise without the keys in the ignition. See if you can do the movements you would need for an emergency stop and a three-point turn without causing yourself any discomfort or pain. When you are ready to start driving again, build up gradually, starting with a short journey.

Returning to work

Returning to work will vary from person to person depending on your operation and on your job. We can supply you with a Medical Certificate when you are discharged from hospital. You are able to self certify if you are off work for 1 week or less.

Having sex

This varies depending on the operation that you have had. After minor surgery this may be just 1 to 2 weeks but may be several months for some patients.

When should I seek medical advice after the operation?

While most women recover well after an operation, complications can occur. You should seek medical advice if you experience:

• Burning and stinging when you pass urine or pass urine frequently: this may be due to a urine infection. Treatment is with a course of antibiotics.

• Heavy or smelly vaginal bleeding or bleeding which starts again: if you are also feeling unwell and have a temperature (fever), this may be because of an infection or a small collection of blood inside you. Treatment is usually with a course of antibiotics. Occasionally you may need to be admitted to hospital for the antibiotics to be administered intravenously (into a vein). Rarely, this may result in a further procedure.

• Red and painful skin around your scars: this may be caused by a wound infection. Treatment is with a course of antibiotics.

• Increasing abdominal pain: if you also have a temperature (fever), have lost your appetite and are vomiting, this may be because of damage to your bowel or bladder, in which case you will need to be admitted to hospital.

• A painful, red, swollen, hot leg or difficulty bearing weight on your legs: this may be caused by a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If you have shortness of breath, chest pain or cough up blood, it could be a sign that a blood clot has travelled to the lungs (pulmonary embolus). If you have these symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately.

Who to Contact:

Within the first 7 days after discharge from any gynaecology operation (this includes those people who had their operation at a nearby site such as Tavistock) contact Ocean Suite at Derriford Hospital on 01752 439877

After 1 week contact you own GP

If you have open follow up contact 01752 431597

In an emergency dial 999 or 111 or go to 111 online.