1. You will have one small incision in your navel and possibly other small incisions further down on your abdomen and to the side. You may notice a small amount of bleeding on the bandages covering these incisions. When all bleeding has stopped, the bandages may be removed for showering or bathing. At this time it is all right to leave the dressings off completely. If irritation occurs with tight clothing, you may want to apply a dressing for comfort. It is a good idea to leave the incision open to the air. You will feel numbness and hardness around your incision-this is normal. Some women may notice bruising on their lower abdomen-this is normal and will resolve in several days.

2. You had gas (CO₂) put into your abdomen during surgery in order to enable the physician to see inside the abdominal cavity. Your physician removed as much air as possible when he/she finished with the laparoscopy and before he/she put your stitches in. Some of this gas remains in the abdomen causing some shoulder pain or chest discomfort. This generally resolves in a day or two. You will probably feel more comfortable if you lie on your abdomen with a pillow under your hips. In addition, you may notice leakage of large amounts of pinkish fluid from your incision(s). This is normal and resolves in one to three days.

3. Resume normal activities as you feel up to them. Working may generally resume within three days. Recovery from laparoscopic surgery varies greatly depending on the length of time you were under anesthesia, the surgical procedure performed, the nature of your job, and your constitution.

4. If only a laparoscopy was performed, sexual activity may resume as soon as you are comfortable and vaginal bleeding has stopped. If a hysteroscopy has been performed, do not put anything in your vagina for two weeks (i.e. no tampons, douching, or intercourse).

5. Menses should occur as expected, or earlier. Tampons may be used. Do not douche unless you are instructed to do so.

6. Unrestricted bathing or showering is allowed. No swimming for 48 hours.

7. Please follow your physician's instructions if you are given prescriptions for a painkiller, vaginal cream, or an antibiotic.

8. Contact your physician if you notice any of the following:
   1. Chills or fever over 101º
   2. Heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding, soaking pads
   3. Heavy incisional bleeding
   4. Heat, swelling, or pus from the incisions
   5. Frequency or burning on urination
   6. Severe pelvic pain
   7. Vaginal discharge that itches, burns, or has an odor
   8. Fainting, dizziness, persistent nausea or vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea
   9. Inability to urinate

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