Where is the procedure done?
The procedure is done in the outpatient setting. The procedure
usually takes 30-60 minutes. You will be in the recovery room 1-2
hours.
What do I need to do prior to the procedure?
Most laser surgery is done under general anesthesia. Because of
this you cannot have anything to eat or drink after midnight the
night before your surgery. There may be prescriptions for you to
fill prior to the procedure for care of the surgical area after the
surgery. You may also be asked to give yourself a Fleets enema the
night before or the day of your surgery.
What can I expect after the procedure?
Severe pain usually settles within 4-12 hours after surgery.
Following this, most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort
that can be controlled by prescription pain relievers. Mixing
crushed ice and cold water in a ziplock bag and applying the bag to
the area of pain can often relieve any increase in pain. Sitting on
an air cushion may also be helpful. You may experience light
bleeding or brown discharge for several days after surgery.
If you have had laser to the cervix or vagina, vaginal bleeding
consistent with a period will occur for approximately 10 days
following the procedure. At the 10-day point, the bleeding may
actually worsen for 3-4 days prior to subsiding. Also, a large plug
of tissue may be passed 2-3 days following surgery in certain
situations.
What do I need to do after the procedure?
Depending on the treatment area, follow-up care and instructions
may include:
- To aid healing and to help prevent infection, you should
refrain from sexual
intercourse, using tampons, vaginal douching, public pools and
hot tubs.
- All patients receiving laser vaporization of the cervix or
vagina will require post-op application of antibiotic cream to
be used at bedtime the day following surgery for a total of ten
evenings.
- All patients receiving laser vaporization of the vulva will
require a medicated ointment to be used three times a day,
usually after a sitz bath.
- To help keep the area clean, you may be instructed on the use
of a sitz bath. To do a sitz bath at home, place a clean towel
in the bottom your tub, and run warm water continuously and lift
the towel to let water out after it gets just deep enough to
cover the area. Keep running the water and repeating. It is best
to do sitz baths after bowel movements and urinating.
- For comfort and cleansing, use a squirt bottle filled with
warm water.
- After cleansing dry area with a hair dryer on low setting.
- Avoid constipation by using a stool softener as needed and
drinking 6-8 glasses of fluid a day.
- To avoid stress to the area, refrain from activities such as
jogging or horseback riding, avoid prolonged sitting, and wear
loose fitting clothing.
When should I call the doctor?
Please notify our office if you experience a fever over 101
degrees, foul smelling discharge, heavy bleeding or clots, or severe
pain.
Follow-up
Please call the office for a follow-up appointment 12-14 days
following vulvar or vaginal surgery or 21 days following cervical
surgery. |