After the operation, you will be taken in your bed from the operating room to the recovery unit, where you will stay until you are fully awake or until the spinal anaesthetic has worn off. A doctor will tell you how the procedure went after the operation is over. When you are back on the ward, you will be helped out of bed.
Activity
When you return from the operating room, you will be helped out of bed.
Pain
It is normal to have pain towards the rectum, but this usually subsides after 1–2 weeks. You will be given painkillers regularly and as needed. You should have paracetamol and ibuprofen at home to use as needed. If you need other types of painkillers as well, the hospital will give you a prescription when you are discharged.
Urination
After the operation, it can sometimes be difficult to empty the bladder. The urinary catheter will therefore remain in place for up to one day after the operation. The urinary catheter and any tampons placed in the vagina will be removed after approval from the gynaecologist.
Once the urinary catheter has been removed, we will check that you are emptying your bladder satisfactorily. To make sure that you can empty your bladder properly after the procedure, we will check your bladder with a bladder scanner/ultrasound or a single-use urinary catheter. You can go home when you are able to empty your bladder normally. This is usually the same day, or up to two days after the operation.
Stitches
The stitches are made with a special thread that dissolves on its own. Small pieces of thread may come out over the next few weeks; this is normal.
Bleeding
Light bleeding is common during the first few days after the operation and may last up to a couple of weeks. After that, you may have increased discharge, which can be blood-stained for up to 6 weeks.
Length of stay
You will usually be discharged on the first or second day after the operation.
Sick leave
Sick leave is usually 2–4 weeks. A longer period of sick leave may be appropriate depending on the type of work you do.
Complications
All surgical procedures carry a risk of complications. The most common complications with this operation are blood collections in the surgical area, infection in the surgical area or a bladder infection. Rare complications include blood clots and serious infection.
Later, it may be normal to experience pain during intercourse for a while and a feeling that the vagina is too tight. This is caused by scar tissue, which can be stiff. This usually goes away. Some people may also experience increased urinary leakage.
After the operation
For the first 6 weeks after the operation, you should avoid:
- heavy lifting (more than 5 kg)
- strenuous housework (washing floors, vacuuming)
- strenuous exercise
- activities that cause pain.
- Constipation and straining can compromise the results of the operation.
- sexual intercourse
- avoid using tampons for four weeks
Constipation
You should avoid constipation, as straining on the toilet can contribute to the operation being unsuccessful. We recommend buying lactulose over the counter at a pharmacy to prevent constipation after you return home.
Sexual activity
You should not have sexual intercourse for the first 6 weeks after the operation. If your vagina is sore or dry, you can use lubricant or hormone cream/vaginal suppositories (Ovesterin) after 6 weeks. These are available over the counter at a pharmacy.
Bathing in a bathtub/swimming pool
You should not take a bath or swim for the first few weeks after the procedure or for as long as you are bleeding. This may increase the risk of infection.
Hormone cream
We recommend using hormone cream or vaginal suppositories twice a week after the operation (for 2–3 months up to 1 year). You should start treatment 4 weeks after the operation. If you are postmenopausal, you will probably need to continue using it for the rest of your life.
Both estradiol hormone cream (Ovesterin) and estradiol vaginal tablets (Vagifem) are available over the counter at a pharmacy or by prescription from your GP. If you are unsure whether you can use the tablets for a longer period, you can discuss this with a doctor before you leave the hospital after the operation.
Driving
You must not drive for the first 24 hours after the operation or while taking strong painkillers (opioids).
Activity
Although you may need more rest for a while after an operation, you should resume your usual daily activities as soon as possible. Normal activities that do not cause pain are not dangerous. For the first while after the operation, you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous work that is not absolutely necessary.
Helpful advice
- Drink plenty of fluids, eat a high-fibre diet and stay as active as you can.
- You should use a laxative (Duphalac/Lactulose). This is available over the counter at a pharmacy, but should not be used continuously for more than 4 weeks.
- You can have sexual intercourse no sooner than 6 weeks after the operation.
Follow-up
If you have general and/or practical questions, contact the department that discharged you or your GP.