title: Postoperative management and restrictions for female pelvic surgery: a systematic review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We sought to systematically review the literature regarding the effect of postoperative restrictions on clinical outcomes after pelvic surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  English-language articles were identified by a MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials search from inception to July 2010. We used key words describing various gynecologic surgical procedures and postoperative activities, including mobility, lifting, work, coitus, and exercise. Randomized and nonrandomized studies comparing interventions with outcomes of interest were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The literature search yielded of 3,491 articles; 115 full-text articles were reviewed, and 38 met eligibility criteria and are reported and analyzed here. Our analysis revealed that expedited discharge protocols and early postoperative feeding and catheter removal result in shorter hospital stay without negative health outcomes. However, there are limited data to guide many other aspects of postoperative care, particularly regarding exercise and resumption of sexual activity after surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is good evidence to support early postoperative feeding and catheter removal after pelvic surgery. There are limited data to guide many other aspects of postoperative care.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, 1010 Horsham Road - Suite 101, North Wales, PA 19454, USA. milesmurphy@comcast.net
authors.forename: Miles
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: Cedric
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Olivera
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wheeler
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Casiano
authors.forename: Nazema
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Siddiqui
authors.forename: Rajiv
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gala
authors.forename: Tondalaya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Gamble
authors.forename: Ethan M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Balk
authors.forename: Vivian W
authors.initials: VW
authors.lastname: Sung
mesh_terms: D020878:Device Removal; D004032:Diet; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation