Urogynecology Surgery Post-Operative (Post Op) Care & FAQ

Our fellowship-trained, double board-certified urogynecologists are experts at pelvic floor reconstruction and regularly treat our patients by performing life-changing surgery. As part of the surgical process, we are committed to ensuring that your post op experience goes smoothly and allows you to recuperate as quickly as possible.

Many women struggle with slowing down after surgery and want to resume normal activities as quickly as possible. We like to remind our patients that surgery recovery is an opportunity for self-care. It is crucial to allow your body the time it needs to heal. Other priorities can wait – this is the time when you should focus on yourself and your well-being.

Below we have provided information and a few recommendations that will answer frequently asked questions. We hope this will help you understand and manage common experiences that women report after reconstructive pelvic surgery. Not all symptoms can be predicted, nor does each woman have the exact same experience. Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Common surgery post op symptoms

Vaginal bleeding

The sutures used for surgery are absorbable, which means that over time they will disappear and are replaced by scar tissue. As this occurs, light vaginal bleeding and spotting are normal and expected to occur. This usually resolves within one week but may last up to six weeks.

We recommend purchasing menstrual pads. This will avoid unnecessary staining of your underwear or clothes from vaginal bleeding. You can expect saturation of 1-4 pads daily.

Constipation

Constipation is also a common symptom. You can experience post op constipation, even if it wasn’t a problem before your surgery. Constipation can also be significantly worsened by use of the narcotic medications that are routinely prescribed to help alleviate your pain.

It is important that you avoid constipation as it can have negative effects on many pelvic floor symptoms and may worsen your post op pain. Your goal is to have one soft bowel movement daily or every other day.

Tips for avoiding constipation:

• Use your narcotic pain medications sparingly and only with moderate to severe pain.
• Take fiber (such as Metamucil) to bulk up your stools and take MiraLax 17 grams once a day to keep bowel movements regular.
• If you have not had a bowel movement by postsurgical day 3, we recommend taking milk of magnesia 1-2 tablespoons twice a day until a bowel movement occurs.
• If you feel like you cannot evacuate your rectum or stool is still stuck in your rectum, use a glycerin or dulcolax suppository.

If you have chronic constipation or your postoperative constipation symptoms are not improved with Metamucil, Miralax and 4 doses of milk of magnesia, then please call our clinic.

Loose stools/diarrhea

Diarrhea is defined as 4 to 6 watery or loose stools a day. Changes in diet, medication or excess fluid in the body can all contribute to diarrhea after surgery.

Tips for managing diarrhea:

• If you are having loose bowel movements, stop taking the Miralax. Continue taking the fiber supplement.
• If you are STILL having loose bowel movements after discontinuing the Miralax, take one Imodium before each meal.
• If you have watery, explosive diarrhea, please contact your physician.

Pain

After surgery, you may experience mild to moderate pain that typically comes and goes. You will be prescribed pain medication to take by mouth. This medication should relieve your pain so that you are comfortable.

Daily use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil and Aleve, and/or Tylenol (an analgesic) help decrease pain and reduce inflammation associated with the post-operative state. We recommend that you alternate taking NSAIDs with Tylenol on a schedule around the clock for the first 3-5 days after surgery unless you have been told that you have a medical condition that prevents you from using them. This can also help reduce the amount of narcotic pain medication you need to take.

As your pain improves, you can reduce the use of these over-the-counter medications and take them only as needed when you encounter pain. If you have a medical reason why you cannot use NSAID medications, we recommend only using acetaminophen (Tylenol).

The recommended dosages for the commonly used postoperative pain medications are:

*Take as needed for moderate to severe pain or pain unrelieved by NSAIDs.

Medication safety tips:

• Your total daily acetaminophen dosage should not exceed 4,000 mg.
• If you are taking a narcotic that also has acetaminophen, then you should NOT take any additional acetaminophen.

Still considering your treatment options? Schedule an appointment with one of our urogynecologists to talk through your options and find the best treatment plan for you.