Discharge Instructions for Tubal Reversal Surgery at NCCRM

Step 1: Wash Your Hands

• Before touching your bandages or incision site, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
• Dry your hands with a clean towel.

Step 2: Removing the Top Bandage

• You will have two bandages covering your incision.
• The top bandage (outer dressing) can be removed 24 to 48 hours after surgery or as directed by your doctor.
• Gently peel it off, starting from the edges. If it sticks, moisten the edges with warm water to help loosen it.

Step 3: Caring for the Inner Bandage/Strip

• Underneath the top bandage, you will see small adhesive strips (steri-strips) directly on your incision.
• If the strips become loose before that, you may trim the loose edges with clean scissors, but do not remove them completely.

Step 4: Cleaning the Incision

• Once the top bandage is removed, clean the incision gently once per day:
  • Use mild soap and warm water.
  • Gently pat the area with a clean, soft washcloth. Avoid scrubbing.
  • Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a clean towel or gauze.

Step 5: Keeping the Incision Dry

• Keep the area dry and exposed to air as much as possible.
• Avoid soaking in baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools for at least 2 weeks or until your doctor clears you.
• Showering is allowed after 48 hours, but avoid letting water directly hit the incision.

Step 6: Watch for Signs of Infection

• Increased redness or swelling
• Warmth around the incision
• Excessive drainage, pus, or a foul odor
• Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)

Step 7: Covering the Incision (If Needed)

• If your clothing rubs against the incision, you may cover it with a clean, dry gauze pad.
• Change the gauze daily or as soon as it becomes damp or dirty.

• Rest: Prioritize rest for the first week. Avoid overexertion and plan for 10–14 days off work, depending on the nature of your job.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and prevent constipation.
• Balanced Diet: Eat nutritious, fiber-rich foods to promote healing and prevent constipation. If needed, use a stool softener. Avoid straining during bowel movements.
• Avoid Alcohol & Smoking: Refrain from drinking alcohol and smoking during the recovery period to support healing and reduce infection risks.
• Walking: Gentle walking is encouraged to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.

• Avoid Heavy Lifting: Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least 4–6 weeks.
• No Strenuous Activities: Refrain from high-impact exercises, running, or activities that involve straining the abdominal muscles for 4–6 weeks.

• Medication: Take prescribed pain medications as directed. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may also be used.
• Avoid Heavy Painkillers: Avoid overuse of narcotic pain relievers, as they can cause constipation and drowsiness.
• Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the incision area to help reduce swelling and discomfort.

• Wait Period: Avoid sexual intercourse for at least one week.
• Protection: Your doctor may advise waiting until a specific period before attempting to conceive to allow for complete healing.

• Driving: Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medication or if you feel weak or in severe pain.
• Work: You may return to work approximately two weeks after your surgery. However, if your job requires physical exertion, you may need more time at home.

• Appointments: Attend your 2-week post-surgery follow-up appointment.
• Concerns: Report any unusual symptoms such as:
  • Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
  • Persistent or worsening pain
  • Heavy bleeding or clotting
  • Vomiting or nausea that does not improve
  • Inability to urinate or have a bowel movement for an extended period

• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting or dizziness
• Chest pain

At NCCRM, your health and safety are our top priorities. We follow strict infection-prevention practices to reduce the risk of post-surgical infection and to help ensure the best possible recovery. Here’s what you can expect:

• Avoid shaving or waxing before surgery. Do not shave or wax the area of your incision for at least two days before surgery. Razors can cause tiny cuts that increase the risk of infection.

• Hair removal, if needed, will be done safely. If your doctor requires hair removal, it will be done at the hospital using clippers—not razors.

• Hand hygiene is essential. Your healthcare team will clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer before examining you. If you do not see this happen, please feel free to remind them.

• Pre-surgery skin preparation. To remove as many germs as possible, the skin around your incision site will be cleaned with a special antiseptic cloth (Chlorhexidine/CHG) once you arrive at the hospital.

• Antibiotics for added protection. Your doctor may order an IV antibiotic to be given just before your incision is made, typically in the operating room.

• Sterile surgical practices. In the operating room, your surgical team will thoroughly scrub their hands and arms with antiseptic and wear protective coverings, including masks, gowns, gloves, and hair covers.

• Final antiseptic cleaning. Immediately before surgery, the skin around your incision site will be cleaned again with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection further.

By taking these careful steps, we work to protect you from infection and support a smooth, safe recovery.

For questions, please call 919-233-1680