Pre-operative & post-operative instructions

At Novant Health Providence Obstetrics and Gynecology, we understand the decision to have a surgical procedure can be a major event in your life. We also realize that you may have many questions before and after your surgery. That’s why we provide pre-operative and post-operative instructions and information to better prepare you for your procedure.

General pre-operative instructions

You will have an appointment with your doctor a week prior to surgery to review details and sign consents.
Unless otherwise instructed, you should have nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
Arrive at the surgery center 2 hours before your scheduled surgery time.
Follow your physician’s instructions on the need for a bowel preparation prior to surgery.
You will meet with, or have a telephone interview with, someone from the anesthesia department prior to surgery. They will let you know if you should take any of your home medications the morning of surgery.

Surgery center locations

Novant Health Midtown Surgery Center
Address: 1918 Randolph Rd #740, Charlotte, NC 28207
Phone: 704-384-4200

The parking deck for Midtown Medical Plaza is located off of Randolph Road, near the intersection of Randolph Road and Caswell Road. Take parking deck elevator to first floor to access the main lobby.

Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
Address: 200 Hawthorne Ln, Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone: 704-384-4000

Parking is located at the corner of Hawthorne Lane and E. 5th Street. You may access the parking deck from Hawthorne Lane. Go to the admitting department on the first floor and they will direct you from there.

Post-operative instructions

Dilation and Curettage (D&C) or Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

You may experience bleeding for 7-10 days (we recommend using pads during this time).
Avoid sexual intercourse for 2 weeks following the procedure.
Take pain medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Follow-up in the office 2-3 weeks after the procedure.
Call for any temperatures greater than 100.5, heavy bleeding, severe pain or any other concerns.

Vaginal procedures & hysteroscopy

You may bathe or shower but avoid intercourse, douching or tampons until seen by a doctor.
If you become constipated, you may take Colace twice a day, Miralax, or milk of magnesia.
Call if you have a fever greater than 100.5, heavy bleeding, pain not controlled by your pain medications, severe nausea/vomiting or any other concerns.
Schedule a post-operative appointment for 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Abdominal procedures (hysterectomy, cesarean section, etc.)

We want you ambulating and active as soon as possible after surgery, but avoid any strenuous activity at first. You may increase your activity as you are able to tolerate it.
Avoid driving for 7-10 days and until you are off narcotic pain medications.
Avoid intercourse, douching or tampons until seen by your doctor postoperatively.
You may bathe or shower. Make sure to keep your incision dry. Use a cool blow-dryer to help.
Take pain medications as prescribed by your doctor. If you become constipated, you may take Colace twice a day or milk of magnesia.
If you went home with staples in place, make an appointment for staple removal as directed by your doctor (usually 3-7 days after surgery).
If you have Dermabond on your incision, the glue will flake off in 7-10 days. You may peel it off at that time.
If you have Steri-Strips (paper Band-Aids) on your incision, these will start peeling off in 1-2 weeks. You can remove them at that time.
Make an appointment for a post-operative visit 4-6 weeks after surgery.
Call if you have a fever greater than 100.5, heavy bleeding, pain not controlled by your pain medications, severe nausea/vomiting, redness surrounding the incision or heavy drainage from the incision or any other concerns.

Laparoscopic procedures

You may have some abdominal pain, bloating and right shoulder pain in the first 24-48 hours. This often improves if you lie down flat.
Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity for 7-10 days. Avoid driving until off narcotic pain medications.
Avoid intercourse, douching or tampons until seen by your doctor postoperatively.
You may bathe or shower.
Take pain medications as prescribed by your doctor. If you become constipated, you may take Colace twice a day, Miralax, or milk of magnesia.
You may have Dermabond on your incisions. The glue will flake off in 7-10 days. You may peel it off at that time.
Call if you have a fever greater than 100.5, heavy bleeding, pain not controlled by your pain medications, severe nausea/vomiting, redness around the incisions, drainage from the incision, or any other concerns.
Schedule a post-operative appointment for 4-6 weeks after surgery unless your doctor asks to see you sooner.

For more information about our gynecologic services, or to set up an appointment, please visit us on MyChart or call one of our two convenient locations.

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