Urinary Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence - Female

FEMALE - STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE SURGERY
POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

You will be discharged from the hospital with either an indwelling foley catheter, knowledgeable on intermittent self- catheterization, or voiding without evidence of urinary residual If you have an indwelling foley catheter, please make sure that you are familiar with use of the leg bag and bedside drainage bag. The most important point to consider is to make sure that your leg bag is connected in the proper fashion with no tension on the catheter so that your leg can move easily while walking.

You may bathe or shower, patting your wound dry with a clean terry cloth towel. Avoid all heavy lifting and straining. You may climb stairs, but do not carry anything up with you. Your exercise should be limited to short walks on level ground. Any vaginal discharge should be handled with a simple bath or shower; do not douche.

You will be seen back in the office in approximately a week after surgery for wound care, e.g. removal of skin staples. At that time you will be further instructed on your postoperative care.

When you return to driving a car will depend on your physical stamina and use of oral narcotic pain medication. Generally we prohibit sexual intercourse for approximately 4-6 weeks after surgery. Your return to work will depend on the nature of your job and your postoperative stamina; both of which you are best able to discern.

Your postoperative diet should have an increase in fluids and maintain a well balanced diet; do not engage in a diet for weight reduction for the next 4-6 weeks.

You will be given a prescription for pain medication on discharge from the hospital and mayor may not receive an antibiotic depending on your clinical situation.

Occasionally you will have blood in your urine which should be managed by avoiding strenuous activity and increasing your fluids. Call the office if your urine becomes thick like tomato soup and will not clear with the use of increased fluids.

If your questions cannot be answered during routine established office appointments, please try to call during the work day. Avoid after-hour calls, limiting them to true emergencies so that we can help you most efficiently in your postoperative recovery.