The purpose of this information sheet is to decrease the stress of the surgery for which you have been scheduled.

You will remain in hospital for between 3 – 5 days depending on the extent of your surgery. Every effort will be made to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

You may have an intravenous drip in your arm for between 1 – 3 days depending upon the type of surgery and post operative medication you may require.

Depending upon the operation, you may have a urinary catheter in your bladder for a few days.

Your doctors will visit you each day to assess your progress and recovery. They will inform both yourself and the nursing staff of your daily treatment plan with regard to your hospital stay.

Within a day or two, you will be allowed to drink fluids after which you will progress to a simple light diet before returning to your normal diet.

Your wound cut is usually along the bikini line and your sutures will generally be removed on the 3^rd day after your operation, prior to leaving the hospital.

You will be absent from work for between 3 – 6 weeks depending on the level of physical activity required.

You may not drive or lift heavy objects for 3 weeks from the date of the operation. This allows for the muscles to regain their strength and elasticity.

Where work has been done inside the womb, hormonal medication may be prescribed to promote the healing process. This medication, together with an instruction sheet, will be given and explained to you during your hospitalisation. It is important that you COMPLETE THE COURSE in spite of any vaginal bleeding which may occur.

There may be some vaginal bleeding immediately post operatively or there may be delayed bleeding which occur 7 – 10 days later. This bleeding is part of the healing process and is not a cause for concern. IT IS NOT A PERIOD.

There may be no need for further treatment following your discharge from hospital other than to make a post operative appointment to see your doctor in 3 – 6 weeks time.

For AFTER HOURS EMERGENCIES ONLY relating to your surgery, either

Dr Jacobson, Dr Gobetz or Dr Volschenk will be on call for EMERGENCIES and may be contacted on

Pager 011 321 – 0111 Ask for  Code VITALAB