What To Expect After Surgery?

Some patients may experience mild sore throat or body aches after the anaesthesia. It is not unusual to have slight abdominal discomfort and shoulder ache after the operation, which will usually subside in less than 48 hours. There may be some vaginal discharge or bleeding for up to 2 weeks after the surgery. The following instructions contain general information and advice regarding your condition. Please seek clarification when in doubt.

1. After surgery, in the 24 hours after anaesthesia has been administered, please do not:
   • Drive any motor vehicle/be a pillion rider
   • Drink alcohol
   • Ingest sedatives/tranquilisers
   • Operate machinery
   • Handle any sharp or potentially harmful instruments e.g. knife, scissors
   • Make important decisions
2. Going Home
   • Arrange for someone to accompany you home.
   • The accompanying person should inform the counter staff of his arrival.
   • Have someone to keep you company overnight after surgery.
3. Wound Care
   • Keep the dressing clean and dry at all times.
   • Remove the dressing 3 days after the operation.
   • The wound stitches will dissolve with time. Avoid rubbing, scratching or pressure to the wound site.
4. Activity
   • You are advised to use contraception until your next menstrual period.
   • If termination of pregnancy has been performed, avoid sexual intercourse while there is vaginal bleeding.
5. Diet
   • There is no restriction on diet.
6. When to consult your doctor
   • Increased pain or swelling from the wound.
   • Bleeding or purulent discharge from the wound.
   • Heavy or persistent vaginal bleeding or foul smelling vaginal discharge.
   • Fever of more than 38ºC persisting for more than 6 hours.
7. Follow-up appointment
   • Please keep to your appointment date and time.
   • Call Central Appointments at tel: 6294 4050 if you are unable to keep the appointment.