Recovery after minor surgery

Urogynaecology Specialists — Post-Operative Information

This page provides recovery guidance following your day surgery or short-stay procedure at Urogynaecology Specialists. Your surgeon will advise you of any specific instructions that apply to your procedure. Please contact our rooms if you have any questions.

THIS INFORMATION APPLIES TO

This guide is suitable for patients who have had one of the following procedures:

  • Cystoscopy (telescope examination of the bladder)

  • Botulinum toxin (Botox) injection to the bladder

  • Urethral bulking injection

  • Hysteroscopy (telescope examination of the uterus)

  • Laparoscopic procedures performed as day surgery (e.g. bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, diagnostic laparoscopy)

If you have had a more major procedure, please refer to the relevant UGS recovery page for your surgery.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE

You will recover in the day surgery unit until the nursing team is satisfied you are safe to go home. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

It is normal to feel tired, a little groggy, or emotional in the hours after a general anaesthetic. This will pass.

ACTIVITY GUIDELINES

Recovery from minor surgery is much quicker than from major surgery. The following are general guidelines — your surgeon will advise if your procedure requires anything different.

First 24 hours

  • Rest at home

  • Do not drive or operate machinery — the effects of anaesthetic and sedation can impair your reactions even if you feel well

  • Do not make important decisions or sign legal documents

  • Have a responsible adult with you

48–72 hours

  • Avoid strenuous exercise — gentle activity such as short walks is fine

  • You may return to light work or normal daily activities when you feel ready, usually within 24–48 hours

During the first 7 days

  • No sexual intercourse

  • No baths or swimming — showering is fine

Most patients return to work within 1–2 days depending on their procedure and the nature of their job. If your work involves heavy lifting or physical activity, you may need a little longer — discuss this with your surgeon.

PAIN RELIEF

Most patients experience only mild discomfort after these procedures. Over-the-counter paracetamol or ibuprofen is usually sufficient. Take it regularly as directed rather than waiting for pain to become severe.

If you experience significant or worsening pain that is not controlled by simple pain relief, please contact our rooms or the after-hours number.

BLADDER

You must be able to pass urine before you are discharged home. It is normal to notice mild stinging or discomfort when passing urine in the first day or two — particularly after a cystoscopy or bladder procedure.

After Botox to the bladder

Botox works by reducing the overactivity of the bladder muscle. In some women, this can temporarily make it harder to empty the bladder fully. If you are unable to pass urine comfortably after going home, please contact our rooms or the after-hours number promptly.

After urethral bulking

Some temporary difficulty passing urine is possible. If you are unable to pass urine at all, please contact us urgently.

BLEEDING AND DISCHARGE

A small amount of vaginal spotting or light bleeding is normal after hysteroscopy or bladder procedures. This should be light and settle within a few days. Heavy bleeding or an offensive discharge is not expected — please contact your team if this occurs.

WOUND CARE

If you have had a laparoscopic procedure, you will have one or more small keyhole wounds on your abdomen covered with waterproof dressings. These can generally be removed after 7–10 days. The skin is usually closed with dissolving sutures or skin glue underneath — leave this in place and it will drop away on its own.

Keep the wounds clean and dry. Showering is fine — avoid submerging wounds in a bath or pool until they are fully healed.

POST-OPERATIVE APPOINTMENTS

A post-operative appointment will be arranged depending on your procedure and clinical situation. If you don't have a post operative appointment please email our rooms to schedule. Minor procedures are usually followed by an appointment 4-6 weeks later. This might be a phone appointment.

OUR SPECIALIST NURSE

Our specialist nurse Lucy may contact you in the 1–2 weeks after your surgery to check on your recovery. Lucy will also answer any post-operative care questions you may have if she can or refer the question directly to your surgeon.

Lucy works one day per week in most weeks. For non-urgent nursing questions you are welcome to email the rooms and she will try to get back to you when she is next working. Please don’t email urgent clinical concerns.

MEDICAL/CARERS CERTIFICATES

Please email the rooms if you have specific needs regarding medical or carers certificates.

WHEN TO SEEK HELP

Please contact our rooms or present to your nearest emergency department if you experience any of the following:

  • Heavy or worsening bleeding

  • Offensive vaginal discharge

  • Inability to pass urine

  • Severe Burning or stinging when passing urine that is worsening rather than settling

  • Increasing abdominal pain or new vomiting/severe nausea

  • Fever, chills, or vomiting

  • Signs of wound infection (redness, swelling, discharge from a wound)

  • Calf pain, swelling or redness (possible blood clot)

  • Chest pain or shortness of breath

  • Any other concerns you feel might be urgent

HOW TO CONTACT US

During business hours
UGS Rooms: (03) 9017 3159
Email: office@ugspecialists.com.au

After hours — urgent or emergency
Page your surgeon: (03) 9387 1000 - LEAVE A MESSAGE AND THE DOCTOR WILL CALL BACK.

After hours — ward contact
If you have recently been discharged and have a clinical concern, you can also call the ward you were discharged from:

  • Frances Perry House Surgical Ward: (03) 9344 5200

  • Epworth Freemasons Ward 1W: (03) 9918 8945

If you present to hospital in an emergency
If you have attended a hospital emergency department without first contacting your surgeon, please ask the treating doctor to contact your UGS specialist using the after-hours or clinic number as soon as possible. Please also ask that any discharge paperwork, results, and correspondence are sent to our rooms.