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Your Care at Home After Laparoscopy HF#5291

 

Laparoscopy is a visual exam of the soft parts of the body between the rib margins and the hips.  It is often done to explore the body and help diagnose certain conditions.

 

Getting Ready for Surgery

 

You may take a bowel prep to prepare for surgery.  If so, we will discuss the details with you.

 

 

After Surgery

 

  • Expect some pain and bruising at the incisions.
  • Your abdomen may be swollen for a few days.
  • You may be tired and have muscle aches for a day or two.
  • You may have mild nausea for a day or two.

 

Incision Care

 

  • It is normal for incisions to be slightly puffy, numb, pink, and have a small amount of clear, light pink drainage.

 

  • Expect the incisions to heal within 2 weeks.

 

  • Keep incisions dry for 2 days after surgery. Then, you may shower and wash them with mild soap and water and pat dry.  Do not soak in the bathtub, hot tub, or swim until they are healed.

 

  • Check daily for signs of infection. 
    • Increased redness or warmth of the incisions
    • Blood or pus-like drainage
    • Excess swelling
    • Fever (by mouth) above 100.4° F for two readings, taken 4 hours apart

Activity

 

  • Do not drive for the first 24 hours or if you are taking narcotic pain pills.
  • It is okay to resume your normal routine after 24 hours.  
  • Do not lift more than ________ pounds.
  • Ask your doctor when you may resume sex.
  • Avoid all tobacco and second hand smoke.

 

Pain Relief

 

It is normal to have some pain.  Pain pills will be ordered for you.  You may have aching in your neck and shoulders from the gas put into your abdomen.  Walking may help relieve this pain.

 

Diet

 

After surgery, treat yourself as if you have the stomach flu.  Eat clear soups, crackers, and lots of clear liquids.  You may eat what you want the day after surgery.

 

When to Call the Doctor

 

  • Nausea or vomiting for more than 24 hours.
  • Signs of infection.
    • Temperature more than 100.4 ° F (by mouth) for 2 readings, taken 4 hours apart.
    • Excess swelling.
    • Increasing redness or warmth of incisions.
    • Blood or pus from incisions.
  • Pain not controlled by pain pills.
  • Excess bruising.

 

Phone Numbers

 

Surgery Clinic: (608) 263-7502. This is a 24 hour number.  

 

After hours, weekends and holidays ask for the doctor on call for Dr. ______________.

Leave your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will you back

 

Toll Free: 1-800-323-8942



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 11/24/2010

Copyright © 11/24/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5291

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