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