Pre- and Post-Op Excision Surgery Shopping List: What to Pack for the Hospital, Hotel, or Home

Excision surgery often means traveling to a specialist, staying overnight in a hospital or hotel, and recovering in a place that is not your usual bed. Having the right supplies on hand can make the first days after surgery safer, cleaner, and more comfortable.

This list is built from patient-recommended tips, recovery principles used by surgical teams, and the real experience of packing for a trip that ends with surgery. Use it as a starting point, then tailor it to your surgeon's instructions, your health history, and where you will be recovering.

Important: Some items on this list are medications or medical products. Always confirm with your surgeon or pharmacist before buying or using anything new, especially after anesthesia, bowel prep, or when you are taking post-op prescriptions. This is not a prescription or medical recommendation.

How to use this list

We have divided items into four groups: pre-op preparation, an overnight hospital bag, a hotel recovery kit, and post-op home comfort. Many items overlap. If you are traveling for surgery, pack a separate hospital bag and a separate recovery bag so you can grab what you need without rummaging through a suitcase.

1. Pre-op preparation (the week before surgery)

Preparing your body and your space before surgery can reduce stress and make the first few days easier. These are generally patient-recommended items for comfort and convenience, not medical requirements.

Comfort and sleep

• Airplane or travel neck pillow — Many patients use a small, firm pillow to keep their head and shoulders propped while sleeping upright or semi-upright. After abdominal surgery, rolling onto your side or sitting up can be painful; a neck pillow makes resting in a recliner or propped bed more comfortable.
• Extra pillows or a wedge pillow — A wedge or pregnancy pillow helps keep your upper body elevated, reduces strain on incisions, and makes it easier to get in and out of bed without engaging your core.
• Hair ties, headband, or a soft ponytail holder — Long hair can become a hassle when you are lying down or cannot twist easily. A soft, non-pulling tie keeps hair out of your face during surgery prep and early recovery.

Hygiene and personal care

Your surgeon may ask you to shower with a specific soap the night before or a few hours before surgery. This is usually a plain, fragrance-free antibacterial or chlorhexidine soap used to reduce skin bacteria before incisions are made. Bring the exact soap your team recommends, if required, and follow their timing instructions.

• Surgeon-recommended pre-op soap — If your team instructs you to wash with a special soap before surgery, have it ready at home or pack it for a hotel shower. Use it only as directed, and do not substitute unless your surgeon says it is okay.
• Baby wipes and face wipes — Showers may be limited for the first 24–48 hours. Fragrance-free wipes make it easier to freshen up without standing at the sink.
• Gentle face wash and body soap — Choose mild, fragrance-free products for after surgery. Your skin may be sensitive after anesthesia, and strong scents can trigger nausea.
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and lip balm — Hospital air is dry. A toothbrush and lip balm are small comforts that make a big difference after anesthesia or overnight stays.

Bowel prep note: Some surgeons ask patients to do a bowel prep the night before surgery if the procedure is expected to involve the bowel, or if bowel resection is a possibility. This is a surgeon-specific instruction, not a one-size-fits-all rule. If you are given bowel prep, add clear liquids, electrolyte drinks, and gentle wipes to your pre-op list, since prep can be dehydrating and irritating.

Clothing that will not press on incisions

• High-waisted, loose underwear — Regular waistbands can sit directly on laparoscopic incisions. Soft, high-waisted cotton underwear avoids pressure and irritation.
• Disposable underwear — In the first days after surgery, bleeding, spotting, or dressing changes are common. Disposable underwear means less laundry and less worry about stains.
• Loose, button-down or zip-up tops — Reaching overhead to pull off a shirt can strain abdominal muscles. Front- opening tops are easier to manage and accommodate drains or monitors if they are needed.
• Soft socks with grips — Hospital floors are slippery. Grip socks reduce fall risk when you are encouraged to walk soon after surgery.

2. Hospital overnight bag

Even if your surgery is planned as outpatient, there is always a chance you may need to stay overnight. Pack a small bag that a support person can bring to you if needed.

• Phone and a long charging cord — Hospital outlets are often far from the bed. A 6- or 10-foot cord lets you keep your phone within reach for updates, photos, and communication.
• Eye mask and earplugs — Hospitals are noisy and bright around the clock. These help you rest between vital sign checks.
• Slippers or slide-on shoes — Easy to put on without bending, and safer than bare feet when nurses encourage early walking.
• Your own pillow with a clean pillowcase — A familiar pillow can improve sleep quality and reduce neck strain when you are propped up.
• Insurance card, ID, and a list of current medications — Bring a printed copy of your medication list, allergies, and emergency contacts. Do not rely on your phone alone.
• Small notebook or phone notes — Write down questions, pain levels, bowel movements, and what nurses tell you. It is easy to forget details after anesthesia.

3. Hotel or travel recovery kit

Many patients travel for excision surgery and recover in a hotel or Airbnb for several days before flying or driving home. Hotel rooms rarely have the comfort items you need, so bring them with you.

Pain, cramping, and muscle comfort

• Electric heating pad — Heat can help relax the abdominal wall and ease cramping or gas pains after laparoscopy. Look for one with auto shut-off and multiple heat settings.
• Disposable or adhesive heat patches — Stick-on heat pads (sometimes called cramp stickers or menstrual heat patches) can be worn under clothing while walking or sitting in a car. They are especially useful for travel days.
• CBD cream or topical magnesium — Some patients find topical products soothing for shoulder-tip pain from the gas used during laparoscopy or for tight back muscles from lying propped up. Discuss use with your surgeon, especially if you are taking blood thinners or have liver or kidney concerns.

Digestion and nausea

• Gas-relief medication — Laparoscopy uses gas to inflate the abdomen, which can cause shoulder pain and bloating for 24–72 hours. Some surgeons recommend an over-the-counter gas-relief product. Ask your team before purchasing.
• Stool softener — Anesthesia, pain medication, and reduced movement commonly cause constipation. Many surgeons recommend a stool softener starting soon after surgery. Do not start one without your surgeon's approval, especially if your bowel was involved in the surgery.
• Bland snacks and electrolyte drinks — Pretzels, white bread, crackers, and electrolyte drinks like Gatorade are patient-recommended for settling the stomach and restoring fluids after anesthesia and bowel prep.
• Ginger candies or tea — Ginger is commonly used for nausea. Keep it on hand for car rides or the first meals after surgery.

Personal care and protection

• Pads and panty liners — Spotting after surgery is common. Bring unscented pads in a few absorbencies. Tampons and menstrual cups should not be used until your surgeon clears them.
• Plastic bags for laundry or soiled items — A few gallon-size bags keep dirty clothes and used pads separate from clean clothes in a small suitcase.
• Water bottle with a straw — Drinking enough fluid supports recovery, but lifting a cup or tilting your head back can be uncomfortable. A straw bottle or tumbler makes hydration easier while lying down.

4. Post-op home recovery

Once you are home, the focus shifts to rest, gentle movement, and protecting your incisions while your body heals.

Mobility and safety

• Cane or walker — Not everyone needs one, but if you have balance issues, severe weakness, or live alone, a cane can add confidence when walking to the bathroom in the first few days.
• Reacher or grabber tool — Bending, squatting, or reaching overhead can strain your core. A grabber lets you pick up items from the floor without bending.
• Shower chair or non-slip bath mat — Standing in the shower can be tiring or dizzying early in recovery. A shower chair or sturdy stool reduces fall risk.

Comfort and sleep

• Abdominal binder or soft support wrap — Some surgeons recommend a light abdominal binder to support the incision area, reduce the feeling of “everything moving,” and help with coughing or standing. Only use one if your surgeon recommends it.
• Blackout curtains or an eye mask — Sleep is central to healing. Controlling light and noise helps you nap during the day if nighttime sleep is interrupted by pain or medications.

Kitchen and hydration

• Small, easy-to-digest foods — Stock soft foods like soup, oatmeal, rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast. Many patients feel nauseated or have little appetite at first.
• Water bottles or electrolyte drinks — Dehydration worsens constipation, fatigue, and dizziness. Keep fluids within arm's reach.
• Paper plates and light cups — Reducing dishes for the first week means less standing at the sink and less strain.

5. Medications: what to discuss with your care team

Patients often ask which over-the-counter or prescription items to have ready. The safest answer is: ask your surgeon's office for a written list before surgery. Do not start or stop any medication without their approval.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) — Some surgeons recommend a scheduled acetaminophen/ibuprofen routine to reduce opioid use. Others may ask you to avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen due to bleeding risk. Follow their specific plan.
• Prescription muscle relaxant — If your surgeon prescribed a muscle relaxant for abdominal wall spasms or back pain, fill it before surgery so it is available when you get home.
• Stool softener or laxative — Commonly used after surgery and anesthesia, but the timing and type matter. Ask your team when to start.
• Anti-nausea medication — If you are prone to nausea from anesthesia or pain medication, ask for a prescription or recommended OTC option before discharge.

What to leave at home or avoid

• Do not bring valuables or jewelry — Hospitals and hotels are not secure storage places. Leave rings, necklaces, and expensive items at home.
• Avoid scented products right after surgery — Strong fragrances can worsen nausea and may irritate sensitive skin.
• Do not rely on tampons or menstrual cups immediately — Internal products should only be used after your surgeon clears them, usually at a post-op appointment.
• Do not bring new supplements without approval — Some supplements and herbal products can interact with anesthesia or increase bleeding risk.

A final packing tip

Lay out everything you think you need, then pack half of it in a carry-on or overnight bag and leave the rest with your support person. After surgery, you will not want to search a large suitcase, and your support person can always bring more if needed. The goal is to keep the first 48 hours simple, clean, and comfortable.

References

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). FAQ: Laparoscopy.
2. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society. Gynecologic Surgery Guidelines.
3. Endometriosis Foundation of America. Preparing for Endometriosis Surgery.
4. American Society of Anesthesiologists. What to Expect After Surgery.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational and peer-support purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Endo Excision for All is a patient advocacy organization, not a medical provider. Always consult your surgeon, anesthesiologist, or qualified healthcare team about what to bring, what medications to take, and what is safe for your specific procedure and health history.