Discharge Instructions for Laparoscopy

You had a procedure called laparoscopy.  During a laparoscopy, the surgeon inserts a telescope attached to a camera as well as surgical instruments through tiny incisions in your abdomen. The surgeon did this to see inside your abdomen to find a cause for you current pain/problem. During the surgery the doctor used a gas to inflate your abdomen so that he could see. Your body will absorb the gas with no problems. Your incisions may hurt for 1-2 days.

Home Care

• Don’t be alarmed if your shoulder is tight or your neck is stiff for 24–48 hours after your surgery. This is common and usually temporary.

• Rest today and slowly increase your activity. 

• Avoid constipation:

  • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, unless otherwise directed.

  • Use a laxative or a mild stool softener if your doctor says it’s okay.

• Remove the bandages in 24-48 hours. Leave steri-strips or tape in place.

Activity

• Ask your doctor when you can start driving again. This is usually as soon as you are free from pain medication and able to move comfortably from side to side. Don’t drive while you are still taking narcotic pain medication.

• Ask others to help with chores and errands while you recover.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your doctor says it’s okay.

• Don’t mow the lawn, use a vacuum cleaner, or do other strenuous activities until your doctor says it's okay.

• Climb stairs slowly and pause after every few steps.

• Walk as often as you feel able.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

 

 

Discharge Instructions for Laparoscopy

You had a procedure called laparoscopy.  During a laparoscopy, the surgeon inserts a telescope attached to a camera as well as surgical instruments through tiny incisions in your abdomen. The surgeon did this to see inside your abdomen to find a cause for you current pain/problem. During the surgery the doctor used a gas to inflate your abdomen so that he could see. Your body will absorb the gas with no problems. Your incisions may hurt for 1-2 days.

Home Care

• Don’t be alarmed if your shoulder is tight or your neck is stiff for 24–48 hours after your surgery. This is common and usually temporary.

• Rest today and slowly increase your activity. 

• Avoid constipation:

  • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, unless otherwise directed.

  • Use a laxative or a mild stool softener if your doctor says it’s okay.

• Remove the bandages in 24-48 hours. Leave steri-strips or tape in place.

Activity

• Ask your doctor when you can start driving again. This is usually as soon as you are free from pain medication and able to move comfortably from side to side. Don’t drive while you are still taking narcotic pain medication.

• Ask others to help with chores and errands while you recover.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your doctor says it’s okay.

• Don’t mow the lawn, use a vacuum cleaner, or do other strenuous activities until your doctor says it's okay.

• Climb stairs slowly and pause after every few steps.

• Walk as often as you feel able.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

 

 

Discharge Instructions for Laparoscopy

You had a procedure called laparoscopy.  During a laparoscopy, the surgeon inserts a telescope attached to a camera as well as surgical instruments through tiny incisions in your abdomen. The surgeon did this to see inside your abdomen to find a cause for you current pain/problem. During the surgery the doctor used a gas to inflate your abdomen so that he could see. Your body will absorb the gas with no problems. Your incisions may hurt for 1-2 days.

Home Care

• Don’t be alarmed if your shoulder is tight or your neck is stiff for 24–48 hours after your surgery. This is common and usually temporary.

• Rest today and slowly increase your activity. 

• Avoid constipation:

  • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, unless otherwise directed.

  • Use a laxative or a mild stool softener if your doctor says it’s okay.

• Remove the bandages in 24-48 hours. Leave steri-strips or tape in place.

Activity

• Ask your doctor when you can start driving again. This is usually as soon as you are free from pain medication and able to move comfortably from side to side. Don’t drive while you are still taking narcotic pain medication.

• Ask others to help with chores and errands while you recover.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds until your doctor says it’s okay.

• Don’t mow the lawn, use a vacuum cleaner, or do other strenuous activities until your doctor says it's okay.

• Climb stairs slowly and pause after every few steps.

• Walk as often as you feel able.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.