Gynecologic surgery can involve incisions in the vagina, the rectum, and the abdomen.

During surgery, we want to avoid contamination of these incisions by stool, which contains harmful bacteria. Harmful bacteria from stool can cause infection in the organs that have been repaired.

As you prepare for urogynecologic surgery, modifying your diet and preparing the bowel will remove most of the stool from the rectum and therefore decrease your risk for infection or related complications after surgery.

Diet Instructions for the Day Before Surgery

• Eat a regular breakfast, light lunch, and only clear liquids after 5:00 p.m.
• Drink clear liquids all day (see examples below).
• Don't eat or drink anything after midnight. This applies to all patients. If you eat anything the morning of your surgery, your surgery will be canceled because it is not safe.

Acceptable clear liquids

• Water
• Broth -- chicken, beef, or vegetable
• Juices -- apple, grape, cranberry (nothing with pulp)
• Soft drinks
• Coffee or tea without milk, cream, or non-dairy creamer. You may use sugar as desired.
• Ice popsicles (no red popsicles)
• Plain Jell-O (no red Jell-O)
• Hard candy

Medications

If a nurse or provider tells you to take some of your medications the morning of your surgery, you may do so with a small sip of water.

Bowel Preparation for the Day Before Surgery

You will receive detailed instructions regarding bowel preparation at your pre-op appointment.

If you have any questions or problems regarding these instructions, please call our urogynecology nurse at 919-401-1000 ext. 6, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you need assistance during the evening, at night, on weekends, or over a holiday, please call 919-684-8111 and ask for the urogynecologist on call.