Preparing for and Recovering
from Endometriosis Excision Surgery: A Checklist
Endometriosis excision surgery is an essential step in managing endometriosis symptoms. Proper preparation and post-surgical care are critical for a smoother recovery. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help guide you through the process before and after surgery, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the procedure and know what to expect during recovery.
Questions to Ask Your Excision Specialist
Before scheduling your surgery, it's important to have a thorough conversation with your excision specialist. Here are key questions to consider:
Can you ensure you will not perform ablations? Ablation is often less effective than excision for endometriosis removal, so confirm that only excision will be performed.
Do you operate outside the pelvic area? Endometriosis can occur outside the pelvis, so make sure your surgeon is experienced in treating these areas.
Do you require colonoscopy prep the night before surgery? This is common when surgery involves the bowel area to prevent infection.
Do you provide Cytotec to dilate the cervix before surgery? While not necessary, it can reduce trauma and make uterine camera insertion easier.
One Month Before Surgery: Preparation Tips
Increase protein intake: A high-protein diet helps your body heal faster post-surgery.
Limit alcohol consumption: This supports a healthier immune system and aids recovery.
Increase physical activity: Being active helps improve post-surgical mobility, so start exercising more if possible.
No smoking: Smoking can impede healing, so it’s important to quit as early as possible.
Pre-Op Shopping List
Here’s what to gather before your surgery to make your recovery easier:
Colonoscopy prep (from doctor, if required)
Cervix-relaxing pill (if recommended by your doctor)
Bone broth, heating pad, and ice packs: These will provide comfort after surgery.
Gatorade and water: Staying hydrated is key to recovery.
Tylenol, protein powder, and other essentials: Make sure you have these on hand for the weeks leading up to surgery.
Pre-Op: The Day Before Surgery
8AM-10AM: Have a light breakfast, but no solid food after 10AM.
11AM: Begin colonoscopy prep if required, followed by a second dose at 3PM.
12PM: Take Cytotec, if prescribed. You may experience mild cramping.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
No red jello or solid foods after starting your prep.
Day of Surgery
No jewelry, nail polish, or lotions: These can interfere with surgery.
Wash with Chlorohexidine soap: On the morning of your surgery, use this soap to clean your abdomen and reduce infection risks.
Do not eat or drink anything: Ensure you’ve fasted for 8 hours before surgery.
Post-Op: Immediate Recovery
After surgery, it's essential to follow these guidelines to promote healing:
No driving: For the first three days.
Start walking: Movement aids recovery, so get up and walk slowly as soon as possible.
Wear loose clothing: Avoid tight waistbands near your incisions.
Shower the next day: It’s safe to shower, but don’t scrub your incisions—blot them dry gently.
Avoid sexual activity and tampons for six weeks post-surgery.
Post-Op Shopping List
Here’s what to have on hand for a comfortable recovery:
Baggy clothing: Loose-fitting sweats or dresses to avoid irritation.
Airplane pillow: For comfort when sitting up in bed.
Tylenol, Motrin, and Somedays cramp cream: To help manage pain and discomfort.
Gas-X: You’ll likely feel bloated from the gas used during surgery; this helps relieve the discomfort.
Ginger ale and low-fiber foods: These help with nausea and easy digestion post-op.
Post-Op Diet
Stick to clear liquids until you can pass gas.
Avoid spicy, fiber-heavy, and dairy foods: Stick to simple, easy-to-digest meals like chicken broth and bland proteins.
Hot tea: This can help with digestion and ease gas pain.
Incision Care
Remove bandages 24 hours post-surgery: Gently clean your belly button with hydrogen peroxide, if needed, but avoid scrubbing your incisions.
Let steri-strips fall off naturally: Do not remove them yourself unless directed by your doctor.
No ointments or band-aids: Keep your incisions clean and dry.
Bowel Regimen
Post-surgery, bowel movements can be sluggish. Here’s how to ease the process:
Stay mobile: Walking helps relieve gas and prevent constipation.
Take Gas-X and Colace: These will aid in passing gas and keeping your bowels moving.
Miralax or Dulcolax: If you haven't had a bowel movement after three days, consider using these.
Your First Period After Surgery
Expect your first period to be different:
It may be heavier and more painful than usual.
Ovulation may also be painful: This is common but should improve over time.
Contact your doctor: If you experience heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad every hour).
Excision surgery can be a significant step toward relief from endometriosis symptoms. By preparing ahead of time and following the post-op care recommendations, you can make your recovery process smoother and more manageable. Always reach out to your healthcare provider if anything feels out of the ordinary during your recovery.