Helping You Manage after a Minor Operation

Before leaving hospital

Before you leave hospital, make sure you have:

  • any medications you brought to hospital

  • medications or prescriptions from the doctor to help with your recovery

  • a letter to take to your local GP/doctor if required

  • an appointment to return to the clinic for a check-up, (usually in 6 weeks unless the doctor wants to see you earlier.) If an appointment is not made at the time of your discharge, it will be sent out to you in the mail.

What to expect after you go home

  • Recovery should take one to two weeks.

  • Vaginal bleeding may continue for five to ten days after the operation. If bleeding continues or gets progressively heavier, you should see your local doctor or come back to the Women's Emergency Department.

  • Use pads and not tampons.

  • Be aware of signs of infections

If you have any of the symptoms listed below please see you local doctor or come back to the Women’s Emergency Department:

  • sudden hot flushes, high temperatures or sweating

  • sudden onset of pain

  • increased vaginal bleeding

  • offensive vaginal discharge.

Looking after yourself

  • For the first 24 hours, make sure you get adequate rest. No heavy lifting, housework, or cooking.

  • Gently ease back into normal activities.

  • Do not drive a car.

  • Do not drink alcohol.

  • Do not operate machinery or electrical appliances which can cause injury.

  • Do not sign any legal documents.

Looking after your wound

If you have had pelviscopic or laparoscopic surgery:

  • Make sure the wounds are kept clean and dry. Notify your doctor if wounds become hot to touch, swollen or excessively painful.

  • If there are Steri-strips in place, leave them on until they come off themselves.

  • If you have stitches - these are usually removed by your local doctor in 4-6 days.

  • You may experience shoulder tip or rib cage pain due to a small amount of residual gas under the diaphragm. This may persist up to 48 hours. To ease any discomfort take regular analgesia.

If you have pain

  • Continue to take the pain-killing drugs prescribed or recommended by your doctor every four to six hours.

  • You may resume sexual intercourse after vaginal bleeding has stopped and you feel comfortable to do so unless your doctor states otherwise.

  • Try peppermint tea or chamomile tea to help with wind problems.