Recovery Instructions for Ablation
and Intra-Uterine Surgery

Removing the Inside Lining of the Uterus or Removing Intra-Uterine Tumors or Structural Abnormalities through a Hysteroscope – is a surgical procedure involving the use of general anesthesia.  If you experience any problems after being discharged to home, during office hours call 757-481-3366.  After 4:30 pm  call his night time emergency number 757-455-3584. You will be connected to the Physician on Call.  Dr. Lackore’s after hour coverage is provided by Womancare Center at Sentara Leigh Hospital.   Go to your closest emergency room if you feel you need immediate attention.

The anesthesia will be acting in your body for the next 24 hours, so you will feel a little sleepy – this feeling will slowly wear off.  Since the anesthesia (and sometimes medication for pain and nausea) is still in your system, do the following;

NORMAL ACTIVITY – someone must drive you home.   Rest and pamper yourself this day.   Usually, you will feel well enough in 24-48 hours to resume most of your normal activities including light work at your job.  Do not engage in sports, heavy work, or strenuous activity for about 7 days.  Thereafter gradually return to what is normal for you.

YOU MUST – have an adult with you for 24 hours.
DO NOT – drive a car until you are fully alert, comfortable, off all pain medications, and back to your usual full abilities (wait at LEAST 24 hours, longer if you feel discomfort).
DO NOT – operate hazardous machinery, power tools, or kitchen appliances for 24 hours.
DO NOT – care for small children for 24 hours – it is NOT safe to have this responsibility.
DO NOT – put anything in the vagina for 10 days.  No tampons, douching, or intercourse.
DO NOT – take a tub bath.  Showers are preferred in the first 48 hours.  After you feel alert and comfortable tub baths are ok.
DO NOT – make any important personal or business decisions or sign any legal documents for 24 hours.

DANGER SIGNS:  (call urgent contact phone numbers above).

1. SIGNS OF INFECTION:  increase in pain, foul odor, severe chills, fever (temperature over 100.5).
2. EXCESSIVE BLEEDING:  Repeatedly soaking a pad every 15 minutes is not OK – call
3. NAUSEA, VOMITING, DIARRHEA:  Severe or more than 24 hours – Call.
4. URINARY SYMPTOMS:  If you feel persistent urinary burning or pain or if you have not urinated within 12 hours after surgery, call your Physician.
5. PAIN – this procedure is normally associated with 2-4 days of moderate discomfort.  Call if the pain is steadily worsening.
6. VAGINAL DISCHARGE – this procedure is commonly associated with a pinkish, light bloody, watery discharge for 3-6 weeks.  Do not let this alarm you as it is normal and expected.
7. Any other serious questions or concerns that things may not be going well.

DIET:

1. Begin with clear liquids for an hour (7-Up, ginger ale, Sprite, tea, apple juice – anything you can see through).  Next, you may progress to Jell-O, chicken noodle soup, and crackers.  By evening, you may have a light meal if you wish.
2. Avoid spicy, fried, or “heavy” foods and dairy products for 24 hours (no pizza or hamburgers).
3. No alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, for 24 hours and while taking pain medications or antibiotics.
4. Resume your regular diet as tolerated.

NEW PRESCRIPTIONS:  You may take Tylenol or Aleve (at normal doses on the bottle) as your wish for discomfort.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS: Take medications as prescribed by your physician.

1. Take pain medications (only as needed) with food or milk.
2. Review pamphlet supplied by the pharmacy where your prescription was filled.
3. Call your surgeon or pharmacy if you do not understand your new medications.

POSTOPERATIVE VISITl:  this visit is usually scheduled before surgery.  If not, please call our office at 481-3366 and make an appointment for your post-operative check-up with Dr. Lackore 10-15 days following the procedure.