Laparoscopy
A laparoscopy is an operation done under general anaesthetic (you are put to sleep). This lets the gynaecologist look at your pelvic organs and diagnose and treat various conditions.
How a laparoscopy is done
1
You are given a general anaesthetic to put you to sleep.
2
A cut about one centimetre long is made below your belly button.
3
A fine tube is passed through the cut. Your tummy is inflated with carbon dioxide gas. This creates space for your pelvic organs to be seen clearly.
4
A narrow telescope with a light (the laparascope) is inserted. This lets the gynaecologist see your pelvis and pelvic organs.
5
Other small cuts are made that let other laparoscopic instruments be used to perform the surgery.
6
After the surgery is completed the:
- instruments are removed
- carbon dioxide gas is released
- cuts are glued or stitched.
After effects of laparoscopy
After a laparoscopy you will experience some pain and discomfort.
- Feeling sick (nausea), discomfort and tiredness are not uncommon for the first 3 days after surgery.
- You may have pain where the cuts are.
- There may be aching in your muscles, shoulder tip and rib cage pain. This is because of the small amount of gas remaining under your diaphragm (the area below your lungs).
Taking regular pain relief will help with your discomfort.
Risks of laparoscopy
Because a full general anaesthetic is used, there are the usual risks related to this. The anaesthetist will discuss these with you.
Risks of anaesthetics (internal link)
A diagnostic laparoscopy is considered a low risk procedure. It has fewer complications than a laparoscopy carried out for treatment.
Sometimes the laparoscopy may be technically difficult and the surgeon may not be able to view enough of the pelvis. In this case an open surgical procedure may need to be done. This will be discussed with you.
The risk of complications increases with more complex laparoscopic surgery. These risks include:
- damage to the bowel, bladder and blood vessels (bleeding and haematoma)
- infection.
Risks are greater if you:
- are overweight
- have had previous abdominal surgery
- have other medical problems.
After your laparoscopy
After your laparoscopy you will be given advice on how to manage when you are discharged.
Pain relief
You may get some discomfort for the next 5 days. Take the pain relief prescribed. Contact your healthcare provider if this does not help.
If you are taking strong pain relief, we recommend taking regular laxatives. This is because constipation can cause more pain.
Preventing and identifying infection
Complete any antibiotics you have been prescribed.
Use sanitary pads instead of tampons until the bleeding has stopped.
Avoid spa pools and swimming pools until your wounds are healed and your bleeding has stopped.
Contact your healthcare provider straightaway if you:
- develop flu-like symptoms
- have a temperature over 38°C
- have pain or difficulty weeing
- have bleeding that becomes heavy and you pass clots
- have offensive vaginal discharge.
Wound care
Keep your wounds as clean as possible and dry well after a shower.
The glue used on your incision will peel off after one week. If you had stitches see your practice nurse to remove them 7 days after surgery if they have not dissolved.
Sex
You should avoid sex for 2 weeks or until you are comfortable and your bleeding has stopped.
Driving and returning to work
You should not drive for at least a week. We recommend you do not return to work for one week. Ask the hospital or your healthcare provider for a medical certificate.