How to Prepare for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery
Preparing for POP Surgery?
This guide from APOPS offers general tips to help make your recovery from pelvic organ prolapse surgery more comfortable. Many of these recommendations come from our community of women with POP who have gone through surgery themselves. However, every patient’s experience is different, and some recommendations may not apply for you. Always consult your doctor for personalized medical advice.
Items to Have on Hand Before Surgery
✔ ️ Ice bags or cold packs for swelling and pain. You can use preemie diapers as ice packs by opening up the layers on one end, inserting the ice, and using the tabs to seal it. You can also soak a sanitary pad in water and place it in your freezer. When using, place the ice for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off.
✔ ️ Heating pad (microwavable or electric). When using, place the heating pad for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off.
✔ ️ Towel to place between skin and ice pack or heating pad to prevent burn.
✔ ️ Hydrocortisone 1% cream or hemorrhoid cream for rectal discomfort.
✔ ️ Over-the-counter pain medication: Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or Naproxen, per your physician’s recommendation.
✔ ️ Stool softener such as Colace.
✔ ️ Sanitary pads and panty liners for post-surgical bleeding. No tampons.
✔ ️ Baby wipes to use after bowel movements for optimized comfort.
✔ ️ KY Jelly to lubricate anal canal prior to first bowel movements.
✔ ️ KY Ultra Liquid or Liquid Silk to prevent friction discomfort on the vulva. (Ask your physician how soon it will be safe to use, as there may be stitches.)
✔ ️ Waffle foam cushion to sit on at home or in the car.
✔ ️ Reusable water bottle or cup with attached straw to prevent spills when drinking water in bed or on the couch.
✔ ️ Loose clothing, such as sweatpants, dresses, or nightgowns to prevent friction.
✔ ️ Fruit, such as apples, to ease bowel movements. Choose fruit-sourced fiber over grain fiber.
✔ ️ Lots of water, or cranberry juice if desired as an alternative, to flush bacteria from urethra. Women with interstitial cystitis should not drink cranberry juice.
✔ ️ A wagon or plastic sled to move items like laundry once you are cleared by your surgeon to push and pull.
Set Up Your Home for a Smoother Recovery
A little preparation can make your recovery from pelvic organ prolapse surgery more comfortable. Here are some tips to create a recovery-friendly space.
1. Choose your “bed”
Getting in and out of bed may be challenging after surgery, so consider where you'll be most comfortable. Your couch might be easier to get up from than your bed. Try lying flat on both, then roll to your side and swing your feet over the edge to see which option feels best.
2. Get the items you need
Check the Items to Have on Hand Before Surgery list above for recommended supplies to gather before your procedure.
3. Keep the essentials within reach
Stock up on items like tissues, medications, a spill-proof cup, a book, and crackers or snacks. Use an end table, portable TV tray, bucket, or even a cake pan to keep everything organized and within reach.
4. Have comfortable clothes ready
Loose, soft clothing like sweatpants, nightgowns, or dresses will be the most comfortable in the first few weeks after surgery. (You won’t want anything that’s tight around your waist.) Many women leave the hospital with a catheter strapped to the leg, so a nightgown or robe may be more convenient than pants.
5. Prepare your car
Place a large garbage bag on the passenger car seat for your return trip home. This will allow you to back into the seat, easily slide in, and reposition without tugging on sensitive post-surgical tissues.
6. Delegate household tasks
Family members often want to help, but don’t know what needs to be done. Create a "to-do" list with your daily tasks, so they can easily step in during your recovery. Keep in mind that you won’t be cleared to push, pull, or lift heavy items for many weeks after surgery.
