How long does it take to recover from laparoscopic surgery?
Diagnostic laparoscopy is a surgical procedure that doctors use to view a woman's reproductive organs. A laparoscope, a thin viewing tube similar to a telescope, is passed through a small incision (cut) in the abdomen. Using the laparoscope, the doctor can look directly at the outside of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and nearby organs.
A female pelvic laparoscopy is often recommended when other diagnostic tests, such as ultrasound and X-ray, cannot confirm the cause of a condition. Your doctor might use laparoscopy to:
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How is female pelvic laparoscopy performed?
The procedure is performed while you are lying down in a slightly tilted position, with your head lower than your feet. You will be given a general anesthetic to relax your muscles and prevent pain during surgery.
Next, a small incision is made near the navel. The laparoscope is inserted through this incision, and the abdomen is inflated to make the organs easier to view. The laparoscope might also be equipped with surgical devices for taking tissue samples or removing scar tissue.
A second incision might also be made at the pubic hairline. This incision provides an additional opening for instruments needed for completing minor surgical procedures.
After surgery, patients generally stay in a recovery room for about one hour. Patients are then taken to an outpatient surgery unit for continued observation.
You will be discharged after you receive instructions for your home recovery. In most cases, patients can leave the hospital about four hours after laparoscopy. Rarely a patient will need to stay overnight to aid recovery.
Patients are asked to return to their doctors for follow-up checkups within two to eight weeks. Please confirm your follow-up appointment before leaving the hospital.
You will be unable to drive for 24 hours after surgery. You must have someone pick you up and stay with you for 24 hours after surgery.
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Are you sedated for laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is performed under general anaesthetic, so you'll be unconscious during the procedure and have no memory of it. You can often go home on the same day.
How long does a pelvic laparoscopy take?
When laparoscopy is used to diagnose a condition, the procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes. The average operating time for all cases was 76.9 min (range 10–400). In 38 cases (3.8%) the laparoscopic procedure was converted to laparotomy. The average operating time for treating ectopic pregnancy and tubal disease was approximately 60 min (range 13–240). Surgery for endometriosis and ovarian cysts averaged 72 min (range 10–240). Laparoscopic myomectomy and hysterectomy averaged 113 and 131 min respectively (range 25–400). Our results show that while the operating time for most operative laparoscopies is less than 75 min, the range of operating times is great.
Preparing for laparoscopy
Please follow these guidelines before coming to the hospital for your laparoscopy:
Is female pelvic laparoscopy safe?
Yes. Laparoscopy is very safe. About three out of every 1,000 women who have laparoscopy have complications. Possible complications include injury to nearby organs, bleeding, or a problem related to the anesthesia. Discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
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After laparoscopy
Vaginal bleeding up to 1 month after surgery is normal. Many women do not have their next normal menstrual cycle for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. When your normal cycle returns, you might notice heavier bleeding and more discomfort than usual.
Wait 2 to 3 menstrual cycles before determining if laparoscopy has helped to relieve your condition.
You can resume sexual activity 1 week after surgery. However, pregnancy can still occur during recovery. If you wish to prevent pregnancy, use a contraceptive.
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How long does it take to recover from laparoscopic surgery?
The time it takes to recover from laparoscopy is different for everybody. It depends on factors such as the reason the procedure was carried out (whether it was used to diagnose or treat a condition), your general health and if any complications develop.
If you've had laparoscopy to diagnose a condition, you'll probably be able to resume your normal activities within 5 days.
The recovery period after laparoscopy to treat a condition depends on the type of treatment. After minor surgery, such as appendix removal, you may be able to resume normal activities within 3 weeks. Following major surgery, such as removal of your ovaries or kidney because of cancer, the recovery time may be as long as 12 weeks.
Your surgical team can give you more information about when you'll be able to resume normal activities.
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