Post-Operation Information
The following information is general in nature and may not apply to your specific circumstances. Please discuss any questions with us.
Dressings and Sutures
Usually dissolvable stitches are used, which are under the skin and do not need to be removed. Occasionally, you may see the end of the suture or feel a small bump under the skin, this will dissolve within four weeks of your operation. Your wounds will have a clear adhesive dressing applied to them, you can remove these 5-7 days after your operation.
Wound Care
The clear adhesive dressings Dr. Robertson uses are water-proof and safe to wash in the shower. After your surgery and removal of any dressing (if required), wash your wound gently in the shower and then lightly pat it dry. You may be more comfortable in light, loose clothing to prevent irritation of your wound.
Things to let us know about
If you are experiencing fevers or chills, worsening pain after your surgery that is not relieved by your pain medication, redness around your wound, have offensive smelling discharge or have any other concerns, please let us know by phoning (02) 9588 2356 — if after hours, please leave a message on the answering service and contact the ward that you were admitted to.
If you are very concerned and we have not responded to you, please present to your closest hospital emergency department.
It is common to experience some light discharge and pinkish discharge after procedures such as LLETZ, hysteroscopy, endometrial ablation and hysterectomy. This may last for three to six weeks and is a normal part of the healing process. If you have very heavy bleeding or offensive discharge, please contact us.
Pain medication
After minor procedures such as a hysteroscopy, LLETZ or insertion of Mirena, you should only require pain relief for a day or two, and often Panadol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (i.e. Ibuprofen, neurofen) is enough.
For major procedures, you may need stronger pain killers for a few days after the operation, and you can start to reduce these once your pain is manageable. Pain is commonly experienced around the pelvis, over the skin incision sites, around the ribcage and also over the right shoulder tip. This shoulder tip pain is due to residual carbon dioxide gas that was inflated into your abdomen during the operation. This pain will subside as your body absorbs the gas over the next 72 hours. You will be given pain medication on your discharge from hospital.
Pain medication can often cause constipation, so you should have a high fibre diet and adequate intake or water. If this isn’t enough, pear or prune juice can be helpful. Otherwise, you can obtain Coloxyl tablets or Movicol from a chemist.
Activity & exercise
After day surgical procedures such as hysteroscopy, LLETZ or insertion of Mirena, you should have minimal discomfort and be able to resume usual activities within a few days. After laparoscopic and abdominal procedures, you should avoid heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks. Light exercise such as walking is always recommended to aid your recovery, and as you recover, you should be able to do a little more each day.
Activities to avoid include:
No swimming for a minimum of four weeks after all procedures, and six weeks after hysterectomy.
No sexual intercourse for at least four weeks after minor procedures such as a hysteroscopy and LLETZ, and eight weeks after major procedures such as a hysterectomy.
Returning to work
The amount of time you require off work will depend on what procedure you have had, your recovery time and the type of work you do. We will provide you with a medical certificate.
Driving after surgery
You should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or make legally binding decisions while on strong pain killer medications.
After minor/day surgical procedures, no driving is recommended for a minimum of 24 hours to allow you time to recover from your procedure and the anaesthetic.
After major operations such as a hysterectomy or laparoscopy, driving should be avoided for the first 1 – 2 weeks. You can resume driving once you feel comfortable with all ranges of movement and are not on any strong pain medication. You should check with your car insurance company about fitness to drive after surgery.
Your Follow Up
You will be asked to make a post-operative check-up appointment in 4-6 weeks following your surgery to discuss your operation, pathology results and any further questions you may have.