Preparing for Gynecological Surgery

Getting ready for gynecological surgery can be stressful. The professionals at Women's Medical Associates of Nashville are available to answer your questions and make sure you feel comfortable and secure throughout the process. To assist you in preparing for surgery, we have compiled the following preparatory guidelines to help soothe your anxiety and ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Before Anesthesia

Arrive at your surgery appointment with an empty stomach. In most circumstances, patients should refrain from drinking and eating after midnight on the day before surgery to decrease the risk of vomiting while under anesthesia. If you are receiving local anesthesia without sedation for a minimally invasive procedure, you may not have any dietary limitations to abide by. However, make sure you consult your surgeon before your operation.

Before your surgery, you should visit with your anesthesiologist to let him or her know about any previous reactions to anesthesia or medication allergies. Since anesthesia can interact with specific medications, your doctor will also need to know about any medical conditions, medications, or dietary supplements that you are currently using.

Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol the day before and the day of your operation. 

After Your Surgery

The instructions below were designed to serve as a basic guide to assist you throughout your first days back at home after surgery. In addition to these guidelines, always use good common sense when executing daily activities. If something hurts, stop doing the activity and refrain from working to the degree of fatigue. Some post-surgery tips:

• Following minimally invasive procedures, you should expect to be on your feet and moving easily shortly after the surgery. Slowly increase your activities to get your body acclimated gradually.
• While you may climb stairs, avoid them if you become weak or fatigued.
• Refrain from heavy lifting and do not participate in vigorous exercise or athletics for two weeks after surgery.
• Abstain from driving until you can operate a vehicle without discomfort and without taking pain medication, which can range from three to seven days.
• Refrain from sexual intercourse and do not use tampons for a minimum of two weeks. Extended limitations might be required for vaginal surgeries. Use sanitary pads rather than tampons.
• Start out eating clear liquids, such as soups and broths, before advancing to solid food.
• Though water can flow over your surgical incisions, do not soak them in the bathtub right after surgery.
• If you become constipated, incorporate more fluids and fiber into your diet. In the event of extreme constipation, you can use a stool softener.