Precautions after hysteroscopy for uterine fibroids

After hysteroscopy for uterine fibroids, attention should be paid to observing bleeding, preventing infection, adjusting diet, restricting activities and regular review. Postoperative recovery requires attention to wound care, monitoring of complications, and adjustment of lifestyle habits.

1. Observe bleeding

A small amount of vaginal bleeding after surgery is normal and usually lasts 3-7 days. If the amount of bleeding exceeds menstrual flow or is accompanied by blood clots, you need to be alert to the possibility of uterine adhesions or arterial bleeding. It is recommended to use sanitary napkins instead of tampons to avoid irritation from foreign objects in the vagina. Sexual intercourse and bathing are prohibited within 1 month after surgery to reduce the risk of retrograde infection. Keep the vulva clean during bleeding and wash the perineum with warm water twice a day.

2. Prevent infection

Although hysteroscopic surgery is minimally invasive, there is still a risk of postoperative infection. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics such as cefaclor capsules and levofloxacin tablets to prevent infection. If the body temperature exceeds 38°C or lower abdominal pain or purulent discharge occurs, seek medical attention promptly. Avoid swimming, hot spring bathing and other activities that may pollute water sources for 2 weeks after surgery. Diabetic patients need to strengthen blood sugar monitoring, as a high blood sugar environment can easily breed bacteria.

3. Diet adjustment

You can eat a liquid diet 6 hours after surgery, and gradually transition to semi-liquid and soft food after 24 hours. It is recommended to choose high-protein foods such as fish and egg custard to help tissue repair, and pair them with potassium-rich fruits such as bananas and dragon fruit to prevent electrolyte imbalance. Do not eat spicy, blood-activating foods such as donkey hide gelatin and red dates within 1 week after surgery. Keep the daily water intake at 1500-2000 ml to promote the metabolism of anesthetic drugs.

4. Activity restrictions

Within 3 days after surgery, the patient will mainly rest in bed, and ankle pump exercises can be performed to prevent venous thrombosis of the lower limbs. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise within 1 week to prevent increased abdominal pressure from causing wound bleeding. Mild to moderate activities such as walking can be resumed after 2 weeks, but abdominal exercises such as yoga and swimming should still be avoided. Normal exercise intensity can be resumed after a follow-up examination 1 month after surgery shows no abnormalities.

5. Regular review

Gynecological examination and ultrasound review are required 1 month after surgery to evaluate the uterine cavity morphology and fibroid removal effect. It is recommended to review hormone levels 3-6 months after surgery, especially for patients with multiple fibroids. Young patients need to pay attention to the recovery of menstruation. If there is a significant decrease in menstrual volume, intrauterine adhesions need to be investigated. Perimenopausal patients should be followed every 6 months for signs of fibroid recurrence.

It is recommended to wear loose cotton underwear for 3 months after surgery to avoid rubbing the wound with tight clothing. Maintaining a regular schedule and ensuring 7-8 hours of sleep a day can help restore immunity. You can take appropriate supplements of multivitamins such as Centrum tablets, but avoid taking estrogen-containing health products on your own. If you experience abnormal abdominal pain, fever, or vaginal secretions with peculiar odor after surgery, you should return to the hospital for treatment in time. Long-term management requires weight control, and a BMI exceeding 24 may increase the risk of recurrence.