Preparing for surgery

You should tell your doctor about any existing health problems and medications you're taking. Ask your doctor if you should stop any medications before surgery.

If you’re planning to have the surgery because of pelvic pain, your gynaecologist may recommend exploratory keyhole surgery first to pinpoint the cause of the pain.

If you’re planning the surgery because of abnormal bleeding, you may need to have a biopsy of the lining of your uterus to rule out cancer or pre-cancer.

A pelvic ultrasound or computerised tomography scan can also help to confirm the diagnosis.

You may also need to have blood tests or an ECG.

Before your surgery, you’ll meet your anaesthetist to discuss anaesthesia for your surgery.

Bowel preparation

Your doctor may ask you to have a 'bowel prep' before surgery. This involves taking medications the day before surgery to clear out your bowel. Bowel prep usually causes diarrhoea, so you’ll need to stay close to your bathroom and expect some discomfort and urgency.

Your anaesthetic options

About the anaesthetic and post-op pain relief.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.