Open abdominal procedures: after-care

Open abdominal procedures include hysterectomy, myomectomy, salpingectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, ovarian cystectomy and laparotomy.

You have had a: ________________________________________________________.

After your procedure

Follow this guidance after your procedure.

• Follow the instructions we give you with your blood thinner injections. This will reduce the risk of blood clots.
• We advise you to wear your stockings for at least 2 weeks.
• Move around as much as possible. This will encourage your blood to flow and your wounds to heal, and build up strength in your muscles.
• Rest when you need to and drink plenty of fluids.
• Do not stand for too long or lift anything heavy.
• You can have a shower if you feel able to. You can leave the wound exposed, or you can cover it with a dressing (for example Mepore, Tegaderm or Opsite).
• Most patients do not have stitches (sutures) to remove. If you have stitches that need removing, we will let you know how to arrange this.

Returning to everyday activities

• You can return to work in 6 weeks.
• Do not drive until you are confident you can control your vehicle (usually 6 weeks). Check with your insurer if you have questions.
• Do not restart any exercise programme for 6 weeks. When you restart, stick to low impact exercise. You can gradually build to your normal levels at about 3 months.
• Most patients feel back to normal after 3 months. 

When to seek medical help

Call Alex Ward (see Contacts below), if you experience any of the following:

• increasing pain which does not go away with painkillers
• increasing or heavy bleeding
• offensive discharge
• fever
• pain in your lower legs
• oozing or redness to wound(s).