Pre-operative & post-operative instructions
At Novant Health Providence Obstetrics and Gynecology, we understand the decision to have a surgical procedure can be a major event in your life. We also realize that you may have many questions before and after your surgery. That’s why we provide pre-operative and post-operative instructions and information to better prepare you for your procedure.
General pre-operative instructions
- You will have an appointment with your doctor a week or two prior to surgery to review details and sign consents. Please write down your questions and bring them to the appointment.
- Unless otherwise instructed, you should have nothing to eat 8 hr prior to surgery. You can drink clear liquid (water, coffee/tea with no milk, juice with no pulp) up to 4 hr prior to surgery.
- Arrive 2 hours before your scheduled surgery time.
- Follow your physician’s instructions on the need for a bowel preparation prior to surgery.
- You will meet with, or have a telephone interview with, someone from the anesthesia department prior to surgery. They will let you know if you should take any of your home medications the morning of surgery.
Post-operative instructions
Dilation and Curettage (D&C)
- You may experience bleeding for 7-10 days (we recommend using pads during this time).
- Avoid sexual intercourse for 2 weeks following the procedure.
- Take pain medications as prescribed by your doctor.
- Follow-up in the office 2-3 weeks after the procedure.
- Call for any temperatures greater than 100.5, heavy bleeding, severe pain that does not improve after resting, or any other concerns.
Vaginal procedures & hysteroscopy procedures
- You may shower but avoid intercourse, douching or tampons until seen by a doctor.
- You may experience bleeding for 7-10 days (we recommend using pads during this time).
- If you become constipated, you may take Colace twice a day, Miralax, or milk of magnesia.
- Avoid driving until you are off narcotic pain medications and your dizziness is gone.
- Call if you have a fever greater than 100.5, heavy bleeding, pain not controlled by your pain medications, severe nausea/vomiting or any other concerns.
- Schedule a post-operative appointment for 2 weeks after surgery.
Abdominal procedures (hysterectomy, cesarean section, etc.)
- We want you ambulating and active as soon as possible after surgery, but avoid any strenuous activity at first. You may increase your activity as you are able to tolerate it.
- Avoid driving for 2 weeks and until you are off narcotic pain medications.
- Avoid intercourse, douching or tampons until seen by your doctor postoperatively.
- You may shower. Make sure to keep your incision dry. Use a cool blow-dryer to help.
- Take pain medications as prescribed by your doctor. If you become constipated, you may take Colace twice a day or milk of magnesia.
- Stitches should dissolve within six weeks and do not have to be removed.
- If you went home with staples in place, make an appointment for staple removal as directed by your doctor (usually 3-7 days after surgery).
- If you have Dermabond on your incision, the glue will flake off in 7-10 days. You may peel it off at that time.
- If you have Steri-Strips (paper Band-Aids) on your incision, these will start peeling off in 1-2 weeks. You can remove them at that time.
- Make an appointment for a post-operative visit 2-6 weeks after surgery.
- Call if you have a fever greater than 100.5, heavy bleeding that is more than a heavy period, pain not controlled by your pain medications, severe nausea/vomiting, redness and pussy drainage from the incision or any other concerns.
Laparoscopic procedures
- You may have some abdominal pain, bloating and right shoulder pain in the first 24-48 hours. This often improves if you lie down flat.
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity for 2 weeks. Avoid driving until 2 weeks after and off narcotic pain medications.
- Avoid intercourse, douching or tampons until seen by your doctor postoperatively.
- You may shower.
- Take pain medications as prescribed by your doctor. If you become constipated, you may take Colace twice a day, Miralax, or milk of magnesia.
- Stitches should dissolve within six weeks and do not have to be removed.
- You may have Dermabond on your incisions. The glue will flake off in 7-10 days. You may peel it off at that time.
- Call if you have a fever greater than 100.5, heavy bleeding, pain not controlled by your pain medications, severe nausea/vomiting, redness around the incisions, drainage from the incision, or any other concerns.
