This handout will tell you what to expect after gynecology oncology surgery.
What to Expect
Your incision may be closed with staples. These will be removed 10 to 14 days after surgery. This will be done by your local doctor or by the surgeon.
After surgery, you may also have:
Bleeding like a light period.
Weakness and fatigue for 4-6 weeks.
Some nausea or vomiting.
Treating Nausea or Vomiting
To improve these symptoms:
Eat small, frequent meals.
Drink liquids an hour before or after a meal rather than with your meal.
Avoid foods that are fatty, fried, or very spicy.
Eat and drink slowly.
Rest in a chair after eating. Do not lie flat for a few hours after you eat.
Activity Guidelines
Stay active, get up each day, and get dressed.
Walk to keep up your strength.
You can go out in public (shop, attend church, etc.).
Avoid people who are sick.
Avoid heavy exercise and lifting over 10 pounds for 4 weeks.
Pelvic rest for 6 weeks. No sex, douching, tampons, or putting anything into the vagina.
No driving until you have stopped taking narcotic pain medicine.
Medicines
Review your discharge instructions to know when you can restart your current medicines. If you have any questions, please ask the doctor or pharmacist before going home.
If you have pain, use the prescribed pain medicine, or Tylenol 650-1000 mg every 4 hours, or Advil 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours. If you were prescribed Percocet, do not take Tylenol along with Percocet.
Bowel Habits
Review Health Facts for You #4843 “Constipation from Opioids (Narcotics)”.
When to Call
Call the clinic if you have any symptoms, such as:
Fever over 100.4°F for two readings taken 4 hours apart
Nausea or vomiting
Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth or drainage
Pain not controlled with pain medicine
Vaginal bleeding that soaks more than one pad in one hour
No bowel movement for 3 or more days
Symptoms of bladder infection, such as burning or frequent urination
Who to Call
If you have questions, please contact your provider through MyChart or call your provider listed in your After Visit Summary or After Hospital Care Plan. For a list of UW Health Clinics, visit www.uwhealth.org/.