How To Prepare For Gynecologic Surgery

Although each surgical procedure can generate concern and uncertainty, the following information and instructions can help you to carry out the process of hospital admission for surgical intervention as calmly and naturally as possible.

Interventions and Surgical Procedures

When Should I Arrive At The Hospital?

Usually, hospital admission is made a few hours before on the same day of the surgical intervention in the vast majority of our interventions.

However, in those cases where an intestinal resection can be foreseen and special preparation must be carried out, admission will take place the day before surgery.

In case you come from outside Valencia or Spain and it is more convenient for you, you can also enter the day before the surgery.

Request assistance in Valencia Spain with Dr. Lucas Minig, a specialist in the treatment of cancer and benign pathologies through laparoscopy.

How Do I Prepare For A Surgical Procedure?

The day before surgery:

⭐ Shower: You can shower in the same way, including your hair, as you normally do. Pay special attention to proper cleaning of the navel with a cotton pad if necessary.
⭐ Fasting: Do not drink or eat solid food 8 hours before surgery.
⭐ Rest: It is very important to get a good night’s sleep before surgery. If you think you will have trouble falling asleep, you can take Orfidal® 1 mg.

The day of surgery:

• Where to enter: It will be presented in the main hall of the IMED-Valencia Hospital. The hospital staff will proceed to admit you and assign you a room so that you can go together with your companions.
• Pajamas or toiletries: The hospital will provide you with a gown and basic toiletries. However, if you prefer, you can bring your pajamas.
• Each room has a security box so you can leave your valuable items or electronic objects.
• Upon arrival in the room, you will be interviewed by a nurse who will verify that all your studies and pre-operative documentation are correct. Family members can stay in the room until the end of the surgery.

During surgery

• Family members will be able to stay in the room throughout the surgery without having to go to a special waiting room. In the case of surgeries lasting more than two hours, Dr. Minig will contact the relatives to inform them of the evolution of the surgery.
• Information about the results of the surgery: after the completion of the surgical procedure, Dr. Minig will come to the room to personally inform all the relatives present of the results of the surgery. There, all aspects of it can be discussed and any doubts about it can be clarified.

After surgery

• The patient will return to the room after having completed the “anesthetic awakening” process, around 30-45 minutes after the end of the surgery.
• All rooms are single and have an additional bed for a companion..
• In case of going to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after surgery, family members will have to leave the room until the patient returns to the floor.
• Dr. Minig will personally see the patient the same day of the intervention, after a few hours, to explain the results of the surgery. Then, he will visit her daily until discharge from the hospital.

Recommendations at the time of hospital discharge

Medicines:

→ Paracetamol 1gr, 1 tab if pain. Maximum 3 tablets per day.

→ Pantoprazol 40 mg, 1 tab every 24 hours for 14 days.

→ Dulco-Lax tablet 5 mg, 2 tablets at night in case of constipation after 4 days after hospital discharge.

→ Body temperature check once a day.

General Recommendations To Follow After Surgery

-You can clean yourself normally using the same soaps and shampoos prior to surgery.

-You can shower normally and let the water drain off the waterproof dressings.

-Remove wound dressings in 7 days.

-Eat light meals normally for the first 10 days.

When Can I Return To Normal Activities?

You will be able to walk, climb stairs, and lift heavy objects freely for as long as your pain progressively allows. There are no restrictions in this regard. In the same way, you will be able to resume your activity at home and outside of it in relation to your level of pain or discomfort. You will be able to take oral painkillers that will be duly prescribed at the time of hospital discharge.

When Can I Return To Work?

In the absence of complications, you will be able to resume your work activity as soon as you deem it convenient to the extent that your abdominal pain or discomfort allows it. Beyond this, there are no restrictions in this regard.

When Can I Drive After My Surgery?

You will be able to resume driving as soon as you feel confident in the reaction reflex of your legs and arms after surgery. You must have full security when activating the brake and clutch pedals simulating an emergency stop. It is advisable to initially make short journeys accompanied by an adult. All this, assuming that you do not take additional medication, beyond the one prescribed by the doctor at the time of discharge or the one you were taking prior to surgery while driving.

RETURN OF SEXUAL ACTIVITY AND IMMERSION BATHS (SWIMMING POOLS):

-In case of a hysterectomy:

A- avoid immersion showers or swimming pools for the next 10 days, in the absence of complications of the surgical wound such as bleeding and discharge from it.

B- resume sexual intercourse 30 days after surgery.

-For any other type of gynecological surgery, there are no specific restrictions regarding points “A” and “B”.

WARNING SIGNS:

Go to the emergency room in case of:

-Body temperature greater than 38ºC or 100.4 °F

-Redness or discharge of fluid from the surgical wound

-Vomiting, bloating, or abdominal pain that does not go away with oral pain relievers

-Blood loss from external genitalia of more amount than a period

What is a Surgical Intervention?

A surgical intervention is an operation that is performed for diagnostic, treatment, or rehabilitation of injuries that have been caused by illness or accident.

Frequently Asked Questions before a surgery with Doctor Lucas Minig