After gynaecological surgery, it is normal to experience some pain, especially around the site of the incisions. It is also normal to experience some pain at the shoulder tips following keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, due to gas collecting under your diaphragm, which will spontaneously be reabsorbed by the body. It may sometimes take a few days for this to occur.
If you have any concerns after your surgery, please feel free to contact Dr Ken Law.
Important things TO DO to help with your recovery:
Get up and move around as soon as you can.
Take simple analgesia (pain relief) tablets, such as regular Paracetamol and/or Anti-inflammatories (e.g. Ibuprofen). You should continue these regularly at home for a few days, so that any post-operative pain does not limit your ability to mobilise at home and recover as quickly as possible.
Keep the wound clean. Dr Law routinely uses a special skin “glue” for closure of the wounds. This is waterproof and does not require any additional dressings. After showering, just gently pat the area dry to reduce the chances of infection. There are generally no sutures or stitches that need to be removed.
Try to avoid stress and strenuous exercise following surgery. After keyhole surgery, most women take about 1-2 weeks off work, depending on the nature of their surgery. If you require a Medical Certificate, please inform Dr Law, or alternatively contact the Practice’s reception staff, and Dr Law will arrange for this to be posted/faxed/emailed to you.
Try to eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. Aim for around 2 litres per day.
Some women may experience constipation following surgery, but this should return to normal over a period of time. It is important to keep well hydrated, and stool softeners may be helpful.
Things to Note, and Contact Dr Law if you are concerned:
It is normal to have some pain around the wounds. However, if you have any concerns about the wound, such as any increasing redness or discharge, please contact Dr Law.
It is normal to get some vaginal bleeding after your surgery. If you notice a large amount of bleeding, please contact Dr Law.
If you develop a fever (above 38 degrees Celsius), please contact Dr Law.
If the level of your pain increases significantly following your surgery, please contact Dr Law.
Post-Operative Follow-Up Appointment
It is important for you to have a post-operative follow-up appointment with Dr Ken Law after your gynaecological surgery. This allows the opportunity to check your recovery, and to ensure that your wounds have healed normally. At this appointment, Dr Law will also discuss in detail again with you the findings of your surgery, and the procedure that was performed. Histology results from your operation will also be discussed.
Depending on the nature of your condition and surgery, this appointment may be scheduled between 2 to 6 weeks following your surgery.
