Laparoscopic surgery is a specific type of keyhole surgery performed under general anaesthetic. Usually used for examination and access to the abdomen and pelvis, this surgery provides a window into the inside of the body using a laparoscope camera. But once your keyhole surgery is over, there is still your laparoscopy recovery time to get through.
If you’re wondering what post laparoscopy recovery looks like for you or a loved one, we’ve covered all the details below for peace of mind and giving you a little extra insight into what happens post-surgery. Read on to find out more:
What is the recovery time for laparoscopy surgery?
As with any surgery, it will take time for your body to heal following your laparoscopy. Because so many kinds of treatment and investigations are conducted through the surgery, your specific recovery will depend on exactly what you’ve had done. Typically, you’ll be able to resume normal activities around 5 days after your surgery, though complete healing will take longer. If you feel your recovery time is taking too long, or you feel unwell following surgery, seeking medical advice is always recommended.
Will I feel pain after laparoscopic surgery?
Pain after laparoscopy is common, and the amount of pain you feel will depend on exactly what kind of treatment you had. For example, if a laparoscopic surgery was used to remove something, the pain may be higher than a surgery that was to get a better look at something inside of you. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to suit your treatment, and ensuring you follow recommended recovery guidelines can also help to lessen pain.
What does laparoscopic recovery look like?
Once you wake up from your surgery, you may feel pain or discomfort both in your abdomen area and your shoulders. While shoulder pain may seem unusual, this is because the gas used to inflate your abdomen irritates your diaphragm. You may also experience some bloating post laparoscopy, as well as general tenderness around the area. Over time, the pain will lessen, and you will be able to do a little more each day, leading to an eventual full recovery.
What laparoscopy aftercare will I need to carry out?
The aftercare for your laparoscopy is straightforward. Following coming home, you can have a shower or bath around 24 hours after your operation. You can get your scars wet, but make sure you pat them dry properly after. Your doctor may have prescribed specific medications to take following your surgery, and you should make sure you get into a schedule of taking them for your aftercare. You will likely feel more tired following surgery, do it’s important to let your body rest during the healing process.
Laparoscopy tips for recovery
Beyond the standard aftercare and typical recovery process, is there anything you can do to improve your recovery from surgery? These laparoscopy recovery tips may be valuable to help you recover faster and feel better in the process:
Eat and drink healthily
Getting enough nutrients in your body can help to make the recovery process as swift as possible. Make sure you’re eating and drinking enough and having all the healthy things you need to help your body do its best work. A good diet can make a bigger difference to your recovery than you might think.
Stop smoking
Smoking can harm your body’s ability to heal itself, which can mean a longer recovery time and potentially other complications. If you can, stop smoking a few weeks before your surgery, so you’re in a good place not to smoke following the procedure.
Build up your exercise slowly
Don’t leap back into extreme or intense exercise following a laparoscopy. Instead, you can start with short walks the day following your surgery and work back up to your usual fitness routine. It’s also worth noting that if you lift weights or other heavy objects, you should make sure you list them correctly, to allow your surgical scar to heal correctly without bursting.
Speak to a medical professional
If you’re concerned about how you’re healing, or you have symptoms such as a fever or other signs of infection, seek medical advice immediately. Even if you don’t have serious symptoms, you can always speak to a medical professional for peace of mind if you’re unsure if something is right.
With our laparoscopy tips and a positive approach to recovery, getting back on your feet following surgery is far faster and easier than you might think. Give yourself all the time you need for recovery, and make sure you monitor any symptoms, and you’ll soon be back to normal post laparoscopy, and ready to get back to your everyday life.
