Surgical procedures are performed at one of two facilities depending on the case.

• Procedures that require more than an overnight stay are performed at Duke University's main operating facility located within Duke University Hospital.
• For cases that are likely to allow discharge on the same day of surgery or that require only a single night stay, the ambulatory surgery center is used. This facility is new and offers state-of-the-art operating rooms combined with modern overnight patient rooms. Being in a university environment, the facility gives us access to an outstanding anesthesia department as well as specialists from a wide range of other fields of medicine.

Pre-Op Instructions

Once you and the physicians have decided on surgery and have discussed the surgical procedure, our surgical scheduler, will be in contact with you to schedule your operation as well as a pre-operative appointment.

At this appointment you will have a physical examination, blood tests, and any other studies deemed necessary. During this time, any specific pre-operative preparation instructions will be given.

You will also meet with the anesthesia representative. Please fill out the pre-anesthesia screening form (PDF, 1.5 MB) and bring it with you to your pre-op appointment.

Information concerning your arrival time the day of surgery will be given to you at this time.

Read diet and bowel preparations for urogynecologic surgery

Post-Op Instructions

Following your procedure you will be given post-operative instructions. If you have undergone a procedure that requires a catheter in your bladder, instructions will be given to you regarding its management and how to perform the voiding trials necessary prior to its removal. You will be in contact with our nurses by phone and removal of the catheter will be arranged at the appropriate time.

If you are performing self catheterization at home, you will also receive phone instructions from our nurses. Follow up visits are usually scheduled at the time you schedule your surgery. They will usually be four to six weeks after your surgery depending on the procedure you have undergone.

Medications

• Prescription pain medication may be used for the next five to seven days.
• Tylenol may then be used for pain.
• After a rectocele repair, colace or ducolax will be prescribed. If you do not have a bowel movement within three days of being discharged, please call the office.
• You may continue all medications you were previously on unless told to do otherwise.

Wounds

• You may have vaginal spotting for several weeks. Call if the bleeding is like a moderate-heavy period.
• You may take a shower. Refrain from taking a bath for four weeks. No douching, intercourse, or tampons until after your post-operative appointment.
• Sutures in the abdominal incision as well as in your vagina will dissolve in several weeks.
• If you have steri strips on your abdominal incision, you may take them off after one week or sooner if they fall off.

Activity

• No heavy lifting for four weeks (i.e. manually opening the garage, lifting the vacuum cleaner or a small child).
• Climb stairs slowly the first two weeks.
• Increase your activity gradually after the first week.

Read more post-operative instructions for urogynecologic surgery