For patients of Duke Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

You have just undergone minor gynecologic surgery. Even though we always make an attempt to give instructions to patients prior to discharge, you may not recall what was said. This page should answer most of your questions.

We will discuss your surgery again in detail at your post-op visit in two to four weeks. If you haven’t already done so, please call to make your appointment as soon as possible.

Same Day Laparoscopy

Your incisions were closed with dissolvable stitches or surgical adhesive (glue). There may be Band-Aids covering your incisions. If there is no drainage from the incisions, you may remove the Band-Aids in one to two days.

You may notice some minor bruising at the incision sites. This is common and will resolve within several days. Please inform us if the redness at the edges of your incision appears to be spreading. If the skin around your incision becomes warm to the touch, or if you notice a pus-like drainage, please call the office.

Due to the nature of the procedure, you may have some pain at the top of your shoulders, chest, or back. As your body continues to absorb the gas we used to inflate your abdomen, this discomfort will gradually resolve.

Your throat may also be sore due to the tube that was in your throat during the surgery. A heating pad may help until the gas is absorbed, and you may take acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen as needed.

A small amount of vaginal bleeding following the procedure is normal. This usually lasts for a few days.

If you’ve had general anesthesia, do not drive a car the day of your operation. As soon as you feel up to it, you may return to your normal activities.

If you have heavy vaginal bleeding, or if you develop a temperature of 100.5 degrees F or higher, please call. Each day following a laparoscopy, you should feel slightly better than the day before. If your general condition seems to be worsening, please call us immediately.

Dilatation and Curettage (D&C) with or without Hysteroscopy

It is normal to bleed for several days following the procedure you just underwent. The bleeding will gradually decrease. As long as it continually decreases, it doesn’t matter how long you continue to bleed.

Your first period may be heavier than your usual periods. It may be on time, earlier than expected, or late.

If you’ve had general anesthesia, do not drive a car the rest of the day today. As soon as you feel up to it, you may return to your normal activities. For the next two weeks, please do not:

• Douche
• Use tampons
• Have intercourse

LEEP/Cone Biopsy/External Vulvar Laser

You may experience spotting, staining, and vaginal discharge for about three weeks following your surgery. Please do not douche, use tampons, or have intercourse for the next two weeks.

For external laser, sitz baths with Epson salts two to three times daily will help with the discomfort, which may last three weeks. Apply Silvadene cream after drying the area. Applying warm tea bags or ice may help. Call if severe pain lasts beyond 48 hours.

General Instructions

If you develop a fever of 100.5 degrees F or higher, please call 919-660-2370 during the day or 919-684-8111 after hours and ask for your doctor or the gynecology resident physician on call.