The following information is general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. Please discuss any questions with us.

Dressings and sutures

Usually dissolvable stitches are used, which are under the skin and do not need to be removed. Occasionally you may see the end of the suture or feel a small bump under the skin, which will dissolve within four weeks of your operation. Most laparoscopic incisions now have a ‘skin glue’ dressing over them, which washes off after 10-14 days. Other incisions will have a clear adhesive dressing, which you should remove one week after your operation.

Wound care

Dressings such as skin glue and clear adhesive dressings are water proof and safe to wash in the shower. After your surgery and removal of any dressing one week following your procedure (if required), wash your wound gently in the shower and then lightly pat it dry. After removal of the dressing (or after the skin glue dressing washes off), you should let the wound be open to the air. Do not apply further adhesive dressings as this may lead to infection. You may be more comfortable in light, loose clothing to prevent irritation of your wound.

Things to let us know about

If you are experiencing fevers or chills, worsening pain after your surgery that is not relieved by your pain medication, redness around your wound, have offensive smelling discharge or have any other concerns, please let us know by phoning 07 3067 7086 — if after hours, please leave a message on the answering service.

If you are very concerned and we have not responded to you, please present to your closest hospital emergency department.

It is common to experience some light discharge and pinkish discharge after procedures such as LLETZ, hysteroscopy, endometrial ablation and hysterectomy. This may last for three to six weeks and is a normal part of the healing process. If you have very heavy bleeding or offensive discharge, please contact us.

Pain medication

You will be given pain medication on your discharge from hospital. After minor procedures such as a hysteroscopy, LLETZ or insertion of Mirena, you should only require pain relief for a day or two, and often Panadol and non-steroidal medication is enough. For major procedures, you may need stronger pain killers for a few days after the operation, and you can start to reduce these once your pain is manageable.

Pain medication can often cause constipation, so you should have a high fibre diet and adequate water intake. If this isn’t enough, pear or prune juice can be helpful. Otherwise, you can obtain Coloxyl tablets or Movicol from a chemist.

Activity and Exercise

After day surgical procedures such as hysteroscopy, LLETZ or insertion of Mirena, you should have minimal discomfort and be able to resume usual activities within a few days. After laparoscopic and abdominal procedures, you should avoid heavy lifting for at least six weeks. Light exercise such as walking is always recommended to aid your recovery, and as you recover, you should be able to do a little more each day.

Activities to avoid

No swimming or bathing for a minimum of four weeks after all procedures, and six weeks after hysterectomy.

No sexual intercourse for at least four weeks after minor procedures such as a hysteroscopy and LLETZ, and 10 weeks after major procedures such as a hysterectomy.

Returning to work

The amount of time you require off work will depend on what procedure you have had, your recovery time and the type of work you do. We will provide you with a medical certificate.

Driving

You should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or make legally binding decisions while on strong pain killer medications.

You will need a friend or family member to pick you up from the hospital after your procedure. Going home by yourself in a taxi or ride-share service is not recommended.

After minor/day surgical procedures, no driving is recommended for a minimum of 24 hours to allow you time to recover from your procedure and the anaesthetic. After major operations such as a hysterectomy or laparoscopy, you can resume driving once you feel comfortable with all ranges of movement and are not on any strong pain medication. You should check with your car insurance company about fitness to drive after surgery.