Discharge Instructions for Gynaecology Patient (Major Surgery)
Hysterectomy
Advanced endometriosis surgery
Myomectomy
There is a lot you can do to help your own recovery from surgery and avoid complications.
Pain/Medication
It is common to feel pain at the site of operation for the first few days after surgery. If you had keyhole surgery, you may get referred pain at the shoulder tips. Getting up when you can and walking can help with the referred shoulder pain. Other common symptoms can include nausea/vomiting and constipation.
If you have provided with medication or painkiller on discharge please take as follow as instructed to help manage your symptoms.
Wound Care/Dressings
Your wounds have been closed with dissolvable sutures. The dressings are waterproof and you must keep them on for a minimum of two days (48 hours). You do not need to replace it once it came off and the wound gently cleaned with soap and water. It is normal to have a bruising around or small amount of blood under your dressing. It is advised to remove if you noticed an increasing build-up of fluid/blood/pus underneath. It is also normal to see a stitch at the wound site.
If you notice spreading redness or pus from the wound, please see your GP or phone us or go to your nearest Emergency Department (ED).
Preventing Blood Clots
The hospital may provide you with TED stockings to help prevent blood clots in your veins. If instructed, wear them for 4 weeks while resting or sitting. You are allowed to remove them occasionally for washing.
Rest
Following major operations, rest is important for the first 2 weeks. You may need daytime naps and adjust your bedtime to be well-rested. Gradually increase your usual activity as your energy level permit from week three.
Vaginal Bleeding
Light vaginal bleeding (like mini period) and mild cramps are normal and may persist for up to 3-4 weeks for major surgeries like hysterectomy while the vaginal stiches start to dissolve. Use sanitary pads (not tampons or cups) and maintain regular showering habits.
Driving
The period of returning to driving after surgery is variable. It may take four weeks before you are ready to resume driving. Please check with your car insurance provider.
Intercourse
Refrain from intercourse for 5 weeks, although individual recovery times may vary. Lubrication may be necessary
Exercise
Balance exercise with ample rest. Avoid lifting or moving heavy objects (>2kgs, such as a full kettle)) for 8 weeks post-operation. Avoid bending, squatting, and strenuous chores. Gradually introduce walking while refraining from high-impact exercises like netball and aerobics which may strain healing tissues. Stop any exercises that cause discomfort immediately.
Bladder Care
You might have had a urinary catheter with surgery. Typically, this will be removed before discharge after passing a trial of urination assessment. If failed you may go home with a catheter, and follow up with a specialised nurse in one week. Aim to drink 6-8 cups of fluids daily, but limit caffeine and alcohol intake. Start pelvic floor exercises daily once you have recuperated from surgery.
Bowel Care
Normal bowel function usually resumes within 2-3 days post major surgery. However, you may experience constipation. Maintain a diet rich in low-residue fibre (such as pasta, rice, vegetables, and fruit). Avoid straining during bowel movements which can loosen surgical stitches. Stools should be well-formed yet soft. Useful laxative includes Lactulose or Nulax
Follow-Up appointment
An appointment will be scheduled for you and you will receive a notification to inform you of the appointment date and time. If for any reason, you have not been given this information, please contact:
Email: [email protected] Phone: (08) 63730126
When to Seek Help
Please seek medical help immediately if you notice the following symptoms:
Very heavy bleeding (soaking a pad every hour and/or passing large clots) Offensive vaginal discharge Fever (over 38°C) or chills Worsening abdominal or lower back pain that is unrelieved after taking medication Pain in chest or legs Worsening nausea, vomiting or bloated tummy Pain or burning while urinating, frequent urination, or difficulty emptying the bladder Wound issues like redness, pain, pus, swelling, or an enlarging bruise Any other concerns that you think are not normal, especially if symptoms worsen.
How to Seek Help
For urgent review or if outside office hours, please go to your nearest ED or arrange to see your GP immediately. For non-urgent queries within office hours (8am-4pm only), you can contact the rooms on (08) 63730126 or (08) 9462 4060.
Discharge Instructions for Gynaecology Patient (Minor Surgery)
Hysteroscopy
Diagnostic Laparoscopy
Endometrial ablation
Vaginal wall repair
There is a lot you can do to help your own recovery from surgery and avoid complications.
Pain/Medication
It is common to feel crampy pain for the first few days after surgery. Other common symptoms can include nausea/vomiting and constipation. If you have provided with medication or painkiller on discharge please take as follow as instructed to help manage your symptoms.
Preventing Blood Clots
The hospital may provide you with TED stockings to help prevent blood clots in your veins. If instructed, wear them for 2 weeks while resting or sitting. You are allowed to remove them occasionally for washing.
Rest
Following your operation, you may need rest for the first 48hrs. The resumption of regular activities will vary individually with some cases requiring few days to one week.
Vaginal Bleeding
Light vaginal bleeding (like mini period) and mild cramps are normal and may persist for up to two weeks. Use sanitary pads (not tampon or cup) and maintain regular showering habits.
Driving
The period of returning to driving after surgery is variable, usually after 24hrs to one weeks of your surgery.
Intercourse
Refrain from intercourse for 2 weeks or until the bleeding completely stops.
Exercise
Balance exercise with ample rest. Avoid lifting or moving heavy objects (>2kgs, such as a full kettle)) for 2 days post-operation. Stop any exercises that cause discomfort immediately.
Bladder Care
Please make sure before discharge you are passing urine as normal. If not, please update the nurse who is looking after you.
Bowel Care
You should resume bowel function as usual. Maintain a diet rich in low-residue fibre (such as pasta, rice, vegetables, and fruit). Please contact your GP if concerned. Useful laxative includes Lactulose or Nulax.
Follow-Up appointment
An appointment will be scheduled for you and you will receive a notification to inform you of the appointment date and time. If for any reason, you have not been given this information, please contact:
When to Seek Help
Please seek medical help immediately if you notice the following symptoms:
How to Seek Help
For urgent review or if outside office hours, please go to your nearest ED or arrange to see your GP immediately. For non-urgent queries within office hours (8am-4pm only), you can contact the rooms on (08) 63730126 or (08) 9462 4060.
Hysteroscopy
Diagnostic Laparoscopy
Endometrial ablation
Vaginal wall repair
There is a lot you can do to help your own recovery from surgery and avoid complications.
Pain/Medication
It is common to feel crampy pain for the first few days after surgery. Other common symptoms can include nausea/vomiting and constipation. If you have provided with medication or painkiller on discharge please take as follow as instructed to help manage your symptoms.
Preventing Blood Clots
The hospital may provide you with TED stockings to help prevent blood clots in your veins. If instructed, wear them for 2 weeks while resting or sitting. You are allowed to remove them occasionally for washing.
Rest
Following your operation, you may need rest for the first 48hrs. The resumption of regular activities will vary individually with some cases requiring few days to one week.
Vaginal Bleeding
Light vaginal bleeding (like mini period) and mild cramps are normal and may persist for up to two weeks. Use sanitary pads (not tampon or cup) and maintain regular showering habits.
Driving
The period of returning to driving after surgery is variable, usually after 24hrs to one weeks of your surgery.
Intercourse
Refrain from intercourse for 2 weeks or until the bleeding completely stops.
Exercise
Balance exercise with ample rest. Avoid lifting or moving heavy objects (>2kgs, such as a full kettle)) for 2 days post-operation. Stop any exercises that cause discomfort immediately.
Bladder Care
Please make sure before discharge you are passing urine as normal. If not, please update the nurse who is looking after you.
Bowel Care
You should resume bowel function as usual. Maintain a diet rich in low-residue fibre (such as pasta, rice, vegetables, and fruit). Please contact your GP if concerned. Useful laxative includes Lactulose or Nulax.
Follow-Up appointment
An appointment will be scheduled for you and you will receive a notification to inform you of the appointment date and time. If for any reason, you have not been given this information, please contact:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (08) 63730126
When to Seek Help
Please seek medical help immediately if you notice the following symptoms:
- Very heavy bleeding (soaking a pad every hour and/or passing large clots)
- Offensive vaginal discharge
- Fever (over 38°C) or chills
- Worsening abdominal or lower back pain that is unrelieved after taking medication
- Pain in chest or legs
- Worsening nausea, vomiting or bloated tummy
- Pain or burning while urinating, frequent urination, or difficulty emptying the bladder
- Any other concerns that you think are not normal, especially if symptoms worsen.
How to Seek Help
For urgent review or if outside office hours, please go to your nearest ED or arrange to see your GP immediately. For non-urgent queries within office hours (8am-4pm only), you can contact the rooms on (08) 63730126 or (08) 9462 4060.