Post Operative Instructions

Patients are discharged within 24 hours of surgery if there are no complications.

To ensure a quick recovery and return to daily routine, the following post-operative instructions should be followed:

• Driving is not permitted until the catheter is removed, so an attendant has to accompany the patient.
• Do not take a shower until 48 hours after surgery. After this have a shower daily. No soaking in bath tubs.
• Walking is a must after surgery. Climbing steps is also permitted to the extent possible.
• If there is no bowel movement even after 48 hours of surgery or fever occurs, please contact the hospital.
• Have a clear, liquid diet until you have passed gas rectally.
• Once you have passed gas, start on a soft diet.
• After the first solid bowel movement, you can start regular food intake.
• Avoid carbonated drinks.

Limitations for 6 weeks

Avoid the following:

• Straining during bowel movements
• Sitting in one position for over 45 minutes
• Sports or strenuous exercise
• Lifting heavy weights
• Sexual intercourse for 6 weeks

Symptoms in the post-operative recovery phase

The following symptoms will go away in a few days:

• Vaginal discharge/ bleeding
• Abdominal distention, bloating
• Delayed healing of incision sites

Symptoms needing medical attention

• Fever above 100^°F
• Redness or foul smelling discharge from abdominal incisions or vagina
• Nausea, vomiting or continued abdominal distention and pain
• Large clots or frank bleeding from vagina
• Pain or swelling in one leg or calf
• Chest pain or shortness of breath