Post Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Pain:

It is better to prevent than treat pain. For the first 48 hours home after surgery, I recommend taking the prescription pain medication regularly every 4 hours while awake. You may take ½ of a pill if desired. Consider taking the full dose at bedtime. Also, I recommend taking Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin/generic) 600mg (3 of the over-the-counter 200mg pills) 3-4 times daily during this time. Ibuprofen and the prescription pain medication may be taken together or alternated. After the first 48 hours home, continue the Ibuprofen 3times dialing for 2 more days and take the pain medication as needed until follow up.

Bowel function:

It is important to return to normal bowel function as soon as possible after surgery, but remember that this may take a few days. Remember that you started out with an empty bower after your pre-op bowel prep. Narcotic pain medicine as prescribed and used in surgery may tend to constipate. I recommend taking Surfak or Colace stool softener over the counter 2 times a day for 2 weeks regularly, then as needed after that. If you have not had a bowel movement 48-72 hours after surgery or if desired before that, take Milk of Magnesia over the counter 1-2 times a day. You may also use a Dulcolax suppository and/or Fleet’s Enema if no bowel movement within 24 hours of the Milk of Magnesia. If this is not successful, call the office during regular business hours.

Activity and Diet:

In general, take it easy until seen in my office in a week. You may ride in a car, climb stairs, and do things at waist level. Do not do any heavy duty straining or lifting. You may shower anytime. You may take a tub bath 2 weeks after surgery. No sexual intercourse until notified- this will be at least 6 weeks after surgery. You may drive when you are off narcotic/prescription pain medicine and when you are able to move and hit the brakes comfortably. For most people this is 1-2 weeks. Your regular diet is fine. You may have light to moderate vaginal bleeding for up to 6 weeks- this may be accompanied by discharge.

Wound care:

There is no special care needed for your incisions. You may shower normally. Dermabond (surgical glue) will cover the incisions and protect them. Feel free to cover them with a band aid if they drain any. A heating pad on a low setting may feel good and improve the healing.

Symptoms to be reported:

Fever of 100.4 or greater, increasing pain unresponsive to medication, heavy vaginal bleeding, inability to hold down food or liquids, inability to urinate or excessively painful urination.

I can be reached during the day at 480-5530, and a physician can be reached 24 hours a day in case of emergency through this number.