Information for gynaecology patients for before and after their operation

Information for patients from Women's Health

How can I prepare for my surgery?

While you wait for your surgery date, you can start preparing for your operation. Research shows that fitter patients, who are able to improve their health and activity levels before surgery, recover more quickly. Taking an active role in planning and preparing for your operation will help you:

To help with this, you may be contacted by a member of the One You Kent (OYK) team. OYK work in the community, and help patients improve their general health. This includes help and advice on:

More information can be found on the following web sites.

What items should I bring to hospital?

Please bring your toiletries, usual nightwear, slippers, dressing gown, usual medication (in the original box), and loose comfortable clothing for day wear and for when you are discharged home.

Anticoagulation (thinning of the blood)

If you need to take anticoagulant medication before your procedure, the preassessment nurse will discuss this with you. You will be shown how you, or a friend or relative, can do this at home.

When should I stop eating and drinking?

The preassessment nurse will discuss this with you and ask you to make a note of the reminder.

Failure to follow this information will result in your procedure being cancelled.

What should I do before I arrive at the hospital?

Please make sure make-up, jewellery (except wedding rings), piercings, and nail varnish are removed before you come to hospital. Being prepared helps both you and the nursing staff. Please note that East Kent Hospitals accepts no responsibility for the loss or damage to personal property, unless the property had been handed in to Trust staff for safe-keeping.

What will happen when I arrive at the hospital?

On admission you will be greeted by a member of the ward team and introduced to your named nurse. They will discuss with you the care you will receive while you are in hospital. You will also be seen by your consultant or one of their team.

If you need to stay in hospital after your operation, you will be given an inpatient bed. Do not worry about your belongings they will be kept safe and taken to the ward where you have a bed.

To help reduce cross-infection we ask that visitors do not to sit on patients’ beds and that they use the hand gel provided when entering and leaving the ward. Thank you.

When can I leave hospital?

You may be asked to leave your bed area after breakfast and sit in the waiting area until your discharge has been completed. This will not affect your care. Make sure you have all your belongings and that your medications have been removed from your medicine locker before leaving the ward. Thank you for your co-operation.

What if I have pain at home?

Nursing staff will make sure you have been given medication to help with any discomfort you are feeling. They will discuss its use with you before you leave hospital. If you need advice, please phone the hospital on one of the numbers below.

How should I look after my wound at home?

You may be discharged home with a dressing over your wound. The original dressing may be left in place for up to two days, providing it is clean, dry, and not soaked with blood or other liquid. After this time, remove the dressing carefully, avoid touching the incision (cut) with your fingers. The skin edges usually seal themselves within 24 to 48 hours of the operation. This does vary from person to person. Small wounds can be left without a dressing.

When can I have a bath and / or shower?

You will be advised when to shower / bath following your surgery.

You can let water gently splash your wound.

We do not recommend the use of salt or disinfectant, but you can rinse the area with plain, fresh, warm tap water after washing. Dry carefully by patting gently with a clean towel; avoid rubbing the wound area.

When will my sutures be removed?

The nurse will discuss with you which type of skin closure (sutures) you have. They will also tell you whether these need to be removed, and if so where (for example at your GP surgery, local Urgent Treatment Centre, or on the ward).

Removal can be three days after laparoscopic (keyhole) procedures and five to 14 days for more major procedures, depending on your operation.

Some types of stitches dissolve on their own. You will be given advice on these at the time of your discharge.

What if I feel unwell or have concerns when I return home?

If you have any concerns about your wound, contact either of the units for advice. You need to contact us if your wound is:

Usually 10 to 14 days after surgery, it is normal to have a brown stringy discharge. Spotting may continue up until six weeks after your procedure, depending on the type of operation you had.

We are here to help you. If you have any concerns, please phone either of the units and speak to a senior member of nursing staff.

Further information

For further information, please see your surgical leaflet or contact either of the units.