Gynecologists and urogynecologists recommend a wide range of postoperative restrictions following minimally invasive gynecologic or pelvic reconstructive surgery and prescribe significantly different quantities of opioids during this period, a new study found. The cross-sectional study queried respondents about the typical postoperative recommendations they provide patients after gynecologic surgery as well as their postoperative prescribing habits. Among the findings:

• There were 418 attendees from a national gynecology conference in March 2018, and 135 (32%) eligible physicians completed the survey.
• 87% of respondents were specialists in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.
• Most respondents (82‒86%) recommended specific postoperative lifting restrictions.
• Many respondents (42‒56% depending on surgical procedure) recommended that patients wait at least 2 weeks before returning to sedentary work.
• Male respondents prescribed fewer opioids to patients after vaginal hysterectomy and vaginal prolapse repair vs female respondents.