Pre & Post-Op Instructions
Comprehensive guidelines to help you prepare for your procedure and recover smoothly. Please review these instructions carefully and contact us if you have any questions.
Questions? We're Here to Help
Our surgical care team is available to answer your questions.
General Pre-Operative Guidelines
Pre-Op Appointment
Schedule your pre-operative visit within 30 days of surgery to review your medical history.
Medication Review
Discuss all medications, supplements, and blood thinners with your surgeon before your procedure. GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) should be stopped 1 week prior to surgery in the hospital.
Arrange Transportation
You will need someone to drive you home after surgery.
NPO Guidelines
Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before surgery.
Stop Smoking
If you smoke, quitting at least 2 weeks before surgery improves healing and reduces complications.
Report Illness
Contact our office if you develop a cold, fever, or infection before your surgery date.
Procedure-Specific Instructions
Tap a procedure to expand its instructions
Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery
Minimally invasive surgical procedures using small incisions and specialized instruments for faster recovery.
Minimally invasive surgical procedures using small incisions and specialized instruments for faster recovery.
Pre-Operative Instructions
Before Your Procedure
- •Schedule pre-operative appointment within 30 days of surgery
- •Complete all required lab work and pre-surgical testing
- •Stop blood thinners 7-10 days before surgery (as directed by your doctor)
- •Stop herbal supplements, vitamins, and fish oil 2 weeks before surgery
- •GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) should be stopped 1 week prior to surgery
- •If you smoke, stop at least 2 weeks before surgery to improve healing
- •Complete any required bowel preparation as instructed
- •Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery
- •Shower or bathe the night or morning before surgery using antibacterial soap (e.g., Dial) or Hibiclens skin cleanser. Do not douche or shave before surgery.
Day of Surgery
- •Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before surgery
- •Take only approved medications with a small sip of water
- •Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- •Remove all jewelry, nail polish, and contact lenses
- •Leave valuables at home
Post-Operative Care
Recovery & Pain Management
- •Take prescribed pain medications as directed with food
- •You may experience gas pain, bloating, and shoulder discomfort for 24-72 hours
- •Lying flat can help relieve shoulder pain from the gas
- •Use over-the-counter stool softeners (Colace, MiraLAX) to prevent constipation
- •Drink plenty of fluids and eat light, nutritious meals
- •It may take 4-6 weeks to feel completely back to normal
Activity & Restrictions
- •Walk as often as comfortable to prevent blood clots
- •No driving for 1-2 weeks and until off narcotic pain medications
- •No lifting over 10 pounds for 4-6 weeks
- •Avoid strenuous activity, vacuuming, and heavy housework
- •No intercourse, tampons, or douching for 6 weeks (or until cleared)
- •Gradually increase activity as your body allows
- •Most patients can return to desk work in 2-3 weeks
Wound & Incision Care
- •Shower daily after surgery with mild soap
- •Pat incisions dry - do not rub
- •No bathtubs, swimming, or hot tubs for 2-4 weeks
- •Skin adhesive/glue will flake off in 7-14 days
- •Steri-strips can be removed after 1-2 weeks when they start peeling
- •Watch for signs of infection: redness, swelling, or drainage
When to Call Our Office
Contact us immediately at (972) 731-6565 if you experience:
- Fever greater than 100.5°F (38°C)
- Heavy bleeding (soaking more than 1 pad per hour)
- Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medications
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Redness, swelling, or drainage from incision site
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Difficulty urinating or blood in urine
Follow-Up Appointment
Schedule your post-operative visit 4-6 weeks after surgery, or as directed by your surgeon.
Hysteroscopy
A minimally invasive procedure where a thin, lighted scope is inserted through the vagina and cervix to examine the inside of the uterus. Often used to diagnose and treat abnormal bleeding, polyps, and fibroids.
A minimally invasive procedure where a thin, lighted scope is inserted through the vagina and cervix to examine the inside of the uterus. Often used to diagnose and treat abnormal bleeding, polyps, and fibroids.
Pre-Operative Instructions
Before Your Procedure
- •The procedure can be performed regardless of your menstrual period
- •Stop aspirin and ibuprofen 7 days before (unless otherwise directed)
- •Do not douche or use vaginal medications for 24 hours before
- •Complete any required pre-operative testing
- •Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure (if having hospital-based procedure)
Day of Surgery
- •Hospital procedure: Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before
- •In-office procedure: No eating or drinking restrictions
- •Take only approved medications with a small sip of water (hospital procedures)
- •Empty your bladder before the procedure
Post-Operative Care
Recovery & Pain Management
- •Light cramping similar to menstrual cramps is normal
- •Take ibuprofen or prescribed pain medication as directed
- •Hospital procedure: You may feel drowsy or dizzy from anesthesia for 24 hours
- •Light spotting or bleeding for 7-14 days is expected
- •Use pads only - do not use tampons
- •Typical recovery time is 24-72 hours
Activity & Restrictions
- •Rest for the remainder of the day after your procedure
- •Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours
- •No intercourse, tampons, or douching for 2 weeks
- •Avoid swimming or bathing in a tub for 2 weeks
- •Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 days
- •Avoid strenuous exercise for 1 week
When to Call Our Office
Contact us immediately at (972) 731-6565 if you experience:
- Fever greater than 101°F (38.3°C)
- Heavy bleeding (soaking more than 1 pad per hour)
- Severe abdominal pain not relieved by medication
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Difficulty urinating
Follow-Up Appointment
Schedule your follow-up appointment 2-3 weeks after the procedure.
D&C (Dilation and Curettage)
A procedure to remove tissue from inside the uterus. D&C is used to diagnose or treat abnormal uterine bleeding, remove tissue after a miscarriage, or treat other uterine conditions.
A procedure to remove tissue from inside the uterus. D&C is used to diagnose or treat abnormal uterine bleeding, remove tissue after a miscarriage, or treat other uterine conditions.
Pre-Operative Instructions
Before Your Procedure
- •Complete pre-operative testing as directed
- •Stop blood-thinning medications as instructed by your doctor
- •Do not douche or use vaginal products for 24 hours before
- •Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
- •Discuss any concerns about fertility with your doctor beforehand
Day of Surgery
- •Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before your procedure
- •Wear comfortable clothing and leave jewelry at home
- •Take only approved medications with a small sip of water
Post-Operative Care
Recovery & Pain Management
- •Expect cramping similar to menstrual cramps for 24-48 hours
- •Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as directed
- •Light vaginal bleeding or spotting for 7-14 days is normal
- •You may pass small clots for the first few days
- •Rest for the remainder of the day after your procedure
- •If you had anesthesia, you may feel groggy for 24 hours
Activity & Restrictions
- •Do not drive or make important decisions for 24 hours after anesthesia
- •Avoid intercourse, tampons, and douching for at least 2 weeks
- •No swimming, bathing, or hot tubs for 2-4 weeks
- •Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 days
- •Avoid strenuous exercise for 1 week
- •You can shower as usual
When to Call Our Office
Contact us immediately at (972) 731-6565 if you experience:
- Fever greater than 100.5°F (38°C)
- Heavy bleeding (soaking more than 1 pad per hour for more than 2 hours)
- Severe pain that does not improve with rest or medication
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Prolonged bleeding lasting more than 2 weeks
Follow-Up Appointment
Schedule your follow-up appointment 2-3 weeks after the procedure. Results from tissue analysis typically take 7-10 days.
LEEP Procedure
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) is a treatment to remove abnormal cells from the cervix using a thin wire loop heated by electric current. This helps prevent cervical cancer.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) is a treatment to remove abnormal cells from the cervix using a thin wire loop heated by electric current. This helps prevent cervical cancer.
Pre-Operative Instructions
Before Your Procedure
- •Schedule when you are NOT on your menstrual period
- •Stop natural supplements, garlic, turmeric, fish oil, and Vitamin C 2 weeks before
- •Stop green tea 2 weeks before the procedure
- •Do not douche, use tampons, or have intercourse for 24 hours before
- •If you are pregnant or think you might be, inform your doctor
- •Arrange for someone to drive you home if you will receive sedation
Day of Surgery
- •Take ibuprofen (600-800mg) with food 1 hour before your appointment
- •If allergic to ibuprofen, take Extra-Strength Tylenol instead
- •Eat a light meal before arriving
- •Arrive 15-30 minutes early to complete paperwork
- •Inform staff of any allergies to iodine, latex, or medications
Post-Operative Care
Recovery & Pain Management
- •Mild cramping and discomfort is normal for 24-48 hours
- •Take ibuprofen or prescribed pain medication as needed
- •Expect a greenish-yellow or brownish-black vaginal discharge
- •Light spotting or bleeding for 10-14 days is normal
- •Use sanitary pads only - do NOT use tampons
- •The discharge may have an unpleasant smell - this is normal
Activity & Restrictions
- •Rest for the remainder of the day after your procedure
- •No intercourse for 4 weeks (or until cleared by your doctor)
- •No tampons, douching, or vaginal creams for 4 weeks
- •No swimming, bathing in a tub, or hot tubs for 2-4 weeks
- •Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 7-10 days
- •Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 days
When to Call Our Office
Contact us immediately at (972) 731-6565 if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding (soaking more than 1 pad per hour)
- Bleeding with large clots
- Severe pelvic pain not relieved by medication
- Fever greater than 101°F
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge that worsens
Follow-Up Appointment
Your tissue sample will be sent to pathology. Results typically take 1-2 weeks. A follow-up Pap and HPV test is usually scheduled 6 months after the procedure.
In-Office Procedures
Quick procedures performed in our office including IUD insertion, IUD removal, endometrial biopsy, and colposcopy. These typically require minimal preparation and have quick recovery times.
Quick procedures performed in our office including IUD insertion, IUD removal, endometrial biopsy, and colposcopy. These typically require minimal preparation and have quick recovery times.
Pre-Operative Instructions
Before Your Procedure
- •Take ibuprofen (600-800mg) or Tylenol (1000mg) 1-2 hours before your appointment
- •If additional medications were prescribed, take them as directed
- •For endometrial biopsy: avoid douching for 24 hours before
- •The procedure can often be done during your menstrual period (ask your provider)
- •Inform your provider of any allergies or medical conditions
Day of Surgery
- •Eat a light meal before your appointment to prevent lightheadedness
- •Wear comfortable clothing
- •Arrive on time; these procedures typically take 10-30 minutes
- •You may drive yourself home for most in-office procedures
- •Empty your bladder before the procedure (for endometrial biopsy)
Post-Operative Care
Recovery & Pain Management
- •Some cramping is normal and usually resolves within a few hours
- •Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed
- •Light spotting is normal for a few days
- •For IUD: you may have irregular bleeding or spotting for 3-6 months
- •For endometrial biopsy: results typically take 7-10 days
- •You can return to normal activities immediately for most procedures
Activity & Restrictions
- •You may drive yourself home after most in-office procedures
- •Avoid intercourse for 24-48 hours after endometrial biopsy
- •Avoid strenuous exercise on the day of your procedure
- •You can shower and bathe as usual
- •Return to work or school the same day if you feel well
When to Call Our Office
Contact us immediately at (972) 731-6565 if you experience:
- Severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication
- Heavy bleeding (soaking more than 1 pad per hour)
- Fever greater than 101°F
- Signs of infection: increased pain, foul-smelling discharge
- For IUD: cannot feel the strings or feel the IUD itself
- Fainting or persistent dizziness
Follow-Up Appointment
For IUD insertion: schedule a follow-up 2 weeks after to check placement. For endometrial biopsy: your provider will contact you with results within 7-10 days.
Need a Printed Copy?
Select a procedure below to print a branded instruction sheet, or contact our office for assistance.
Emergency Contact Information
For urgent concerns after office hours, call our main number and follow the prompts to reach the on-call physician. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.