Surgical Recovery Toolkit

Preparing for surgery — and planning your recovery — can make a huge difference to how you feel, how well you heal, and how quickly you get back to doing the things you enjoy.

This toolkit brings together practical advice and reassurance to help you before and after gynaecological surgery.

Day Stay Gynaecology Surgery

These are minor procedures where you can usually go home the same day. Examples include:

• Hysteroscopy (diagnostic or operative)
• LLETZ/LEEP or cervical biopsy
• Vulval procedures
• Mirena or implant insertion under anaesthetic
• Diagnostic procedures such as examination under anaesthetic

Before Surgery

• Support person: Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight.
• Time off work: Most people take 1–2 days off.
• Medications: Have paracetamol and ibuprofen at home; these usually control discomfort well.
• Clothing: Bring loose, breathable clothing and underwear that won’t press on sensitive areas.
• Meals: Prepare something easy to reheat when you get home — your appetite may be reduced.

Recovery at Home

• Rest: You may feel more tired than expected — rest is the best medicine.
• Pain: Mild cramping or pelvic ache is normal. Take pain relief regularly for the first 24–48 hours.
• Bleeding: Light bleeding or discharge may last several days.
• Avoid: Tampons, swimming, baths, and sexual activity until bleeding stops.
• Contact us if you experience heavy bleeding, fever, or increasing pain.

Laparoscopic, Robotic & vNOTES Surgery Recovery

These minimally invasive procedures involve small incisions (or no abdominal incisions in the case of vNOTES).
They’re used for conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, hysterectomy, or fertility surgery.
Even though recovery is usually faster than with open surgery, your body still needs several weeks to heal internally.

Week-by-Week Recovery Guide

Immediately After Surgery (Days 1–3)

What’s happening:
You’re recovering from anaesthetic and the procedure itself. Expect fatigue, bloating, shoulder-tip pain (from the gas used in laparoscopy), and mild pelvic discomfort.

Tips for these first days:

• Take regular pain relief — don’t wait for pain to build up.
• Start with light meals and increase gradually.
• Walk short distances to prevent clots and ease bloating.
• Keep wounds clean and dry; remove dressings as advised.
• Use a hot pack or peppermint tea for gas pain.
• Rest often but keep moving — naps are part of healing.

Week 1

Focus: Rest, wound healing, gentle mobility.

• Most people feel tired and need daily naps.
• Wounds may be tender but should not be red or oozing.
• Light spotting is normal.
• Avoid heavy lifting, driving, and strenuous activity.
• Take stool softeners if you’re constipated.

You can shower normally, go for gentle walks, and resume light daily tasks as tolerated.

Week 2

Focus: Regaining independence and daily rhythm.

• Energy improves, though fatigue persists.
• Shoulder pain should have settled.
• Continue short daily walks; gradually increase distance.
• Driving is usually safe if you can brake suddenly without pain.
• Return to desk-based work if you feel up to it.

Watch for new or worsening pain, wound redness, or heavier bleeding.

Weeks 3–4

Focus: Gradual return to normal activity.

• You’ll likely feel 70–80% back to normal.
• Mild “twinges” or pulling sensations are normal as sutures dissolve.
• Resume light exercise (yoga, walking, gentle cycling).
• Avoid heavy lifting, core exercises, or high-impact sports.
• Return to work part-time if your job isn’t physical.

Hormonal changes and emotions can fluctuate — this is a normal part of recovery.

Weeks 5–6

Focus: Strength and confidence.

• You can usually return to full activity, including exercise and driving.
• Sexual activity can resume when comfortable and cleared by your surgeon.
• Abdominal muscles may still feel weak — build up gradually.
• Listen to your body; rest if you feel fatigued.

Beyond 6 Weeks

Focus: Long-term healing and wellbeing.

• Full internal healing takes up to 12 weeks.
• Gradually reintroduce heavier exercise or lifting.
• Keep up good nutrition and hydration.
• Maintain gentle pelvic floor and core exercises.
• Track your menstrual cycles and any returning pain — note if symptoms change.

If you’ve had endometriosis surgery, mild cyclical discomfort may persist for a few months as inflammation settles.

When to Seek Help

Contact us or seek urgent care if you experience:

• Fever or chills
• Increasing abdominal pain or swelling
• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking pads hourly)
• Persistent vomiting or inability to pass urine or stool
• Wound redness, discharge, or separation
• Shortness of breath or chest pain

Summary of Recovery

Preparing for Surgery: Your Checklist

A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what to organise before your procedure:

1–2 Weeks Before

• Arrange time off work and let your employer know recovery timelines.
• Plan transport and support for the day of surgery and the first few days at home.
• Stock up on pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen, or what’s prescribed).
• Prepare some easy, healthy meals — soups, stews, frozen portions.
• Get a heat pack or wheat bag for post-op cramps and shoulder pain.
• If constipated easily, have stool softeners ready (e.g. docusate, lactulose).
• Make sure you have loose, high-waisted clothing — leggings or pyjamas that don’t press on your abdomen.

Day Before

• Follow fasting instructions carefully.
• Remove piercings if possible.
• Pack a small hospital bag with:
  • Your medications list
  • Lip balm and a water bottle
  • Sanitary pads
  • Loose clothes and slip-on shoes
  • Phone charger and ID

At Home for Recovery

• Set up a comfortable rest area — bed or recliner near the bathroom if possible.
• Have a small table or tray for medications, water, snacks, and your phone.
• Keep things you’ll need within easy reach — you won’t want to bend or stretch early on.

Partner’s or Support Person’s Guide

Recovery is smoother when you have good help. Here’s how partners, friends, or whānau can support:

In the First Few Days

• Transport: Pick up and drop off at the hospital, help settle them at home.
• Meals & hydration: Encourage small, regular meals and plenty of fluids.
• Medication: Keep track of pain relief times.
• Rest & comfort: Encourage rest, light walking, and gentle company.
• Emotional support: Reassure them that fatigue, bloating, and emotional ups and downs are normal.

Over the First Few Weeks

• Help with household tasks — lifting laundry, vacuuming, shopping.
• Encourage short daily walks and fresh air.
• Be patient with fluctuating mood and energy.
• Offer help without taking over — independence builds confidence.

What to Watch For

If you notice increasing pain, fever, or distress, encourage them to contact the clinic or seek review.

Final Thoughts

Recovering from gynaecological surgery takes time, patience, and kindness toward yourself.
Progress isn’t always linear — some days you’ll feel great, others you’ll need extra rest.
By planning ahead, pacing your recovery, and listening to your body, you’ll give yourself the best chance for a smooth and confident return to full health.

Dr Sam Holford

Recovery not going to plan?

Everyone's recovery from surgery is unique. If it's not going to plan, or you are just unsure, please get in touch.

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