What to Expect

Here’s what you can expect before, during and after your minimally invasive procedure.

Preparing for Surgery

Weeks before your procedure, your physician will ask you to take several steps. These include stopping smoking, taking vitamins, avoiding aspirin and other blood-thinning medications, ceasing hormone replacements, filling your prescriptions, getting lab work done and pre-registering for your surgery at the hospital or facility where it will take place.

Before Surgery

The day before surgery, be sure to schedule your post-operation appointment with your physician. This should take place two weeks after your surgery date. To prepare for your procedure, shower and wash the surgical area with mild soap the night before. It’s also a good idea to wash your hair.

Abstain from alcohol the day before, and follow your physician’s directions for bowel preparation if applicable. Remember to avoid taking anything by mouth – including food and water – after midnight before your surgery.

Before leaving home for the procedure, it’s okay to brush your teeth as long as you don’t swallow any water. You’re free to shower and wash if you choose, but refrain from wearing moisturizers, creams, lotions or make-up. Dress in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and leave all valuables at home. Again, remember to abstain from food and drink unless otherwise directed. Your physician will also give you a list of medications and herbs you should avoid at this time.

After Surgery

You’ll spend the first two or three hours after the procedure in a recovery room for observation. You’ll also receive pain medication and antibiotics. After that, you’ll be transferred to a hospital room. You’ll still be fitted with an IV. The urinary catheter will be removed as soon as you can walk to the restroom with minimal assistance and urinate comfortably.

The length of your stay will vary depending on the procedure, but it’s generally just a few days or less. Once the dressings in your small incisions are removed, you’ll be free to take a shower if you choose, but you should refrain from baths. Upon discharge, you’ll receive pain medications and other prescriptions. Your physician will give you information on when you can return to unrestricted activity.

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