Laparoscopy

Risks

There is a small chance for problems from a laparoscopy.

• Bleeding from the incisions.
• Infection.
• Damage to an organ or blood vessel. This may cause more bleeding that needs another surgery to repair.

A laparoscopy may not be done because of a higher chance for problems if you have:

• Abdominal cancer.
• An abdominal hernia.
• Had abdominal surgeries in the past.

After the surgery

Right after surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where nurses will care for and watch your vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, oxygen level, and heart rate). You will stay in the recovery area for 2 to 4 hours, and then you will go home. Your nurse will explain any special instructions from your doctor. You will probably go home with a sheet of care instructions and who to call if you have a problem.

You may have some bloating. There may be bruising around the incisions for a few days. You may have some pain around the incisions. Do not drink carbonated beverages for 1 to 2 days after the laparoscopy to lower your chance of gas pains and vomiting.

The gas used during the laparoscopy can irritate your diaphragm for a few days. You may have some pain or achiness in your shoulder for several hours after the laparoscopy.

Some of the gas in your belly may leak into your skin and cause a crackling sound if you rub the skin surrounding the stitches. This is not serious and will go away in a few days.

Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• A large area of redness or swelling around the incisions.
• Bleeding or drainage from the stitches.
• Fever.
• Severe belly pain.
• Hoarseness in your voice that lasts more than a few days or gets worse.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: July 24, 2006
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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