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Who is this information for?
This information is for you if you are about to have, or you are recovering from, a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery).You might also find it useful to share this information with your family and friends.
You may be having, or have had, a laparoscopy:
This information is for you if you are having, or have had, a diagnostic laparoscopy and/or an operative laparoscopy where simple or
intermediate procedures are performed. Your operation will depend on your personal circumstances and will be discussed with you by your gynaecologist before your operation.
About this information
You should read this information together with any other information you have been given about your choices and the operation itself. This information gives general advice based on women’s experiences and expert opinion. Every woman has different needs and recovers in different ways. Your own recovery will depend on:
What can I expect after a laparoscopy?
Usual length of stay in hospitalIf you are having a diagnostic laparoscopy, you should be able to go home on the same day.This operation is usually done as a day case. When you wake from the anaesthetic, your nurse will want to make sure that you are not in pain and that it is safe for you to go home before you are discharged.This usually takes between three and four hours.
When you go home, make sure that you are not alone and that someone can stay with you overnight.
If you have had a simple procedure as part of an operative laparoscopy, you may be able to go home on the same day, though you may be asked to stay in hospital overnight.
After-effects of general anaesthesia Most modern anaesthetics are short lasting.You should not have, or suffer from, any after-effects for more than a day after your operation. During the first 24 hours you may feel more sleepy than usual and your judgement may be impaired. If you drink any alcohol, it will affect you more than normal.You should have an adult with you during this time and you should not drive or make any important decisions.
ScarsYou will have between one and four small scars on different parts of your abdomen - one scar will usually be in your tummy button. Each scar will be between 0.5 cm and 1 cm long.
What can I expect after a laparoscopy?
Stitches and dressingsYour cuts will be closed by stitches or glue. Glue and some stitches dissolve by themselves. Other stitches may need to be removed.This is usually done by the practice nurse at your GP surgery about five to seven days after your operation. You will be given information about this. Your cuts will initially be covered with a dressing.You should be able to take this off about 24 hours after your operation and have a wash or shower (see section on washing and showering).
Vaginal bleedingYou may get a small amount of vaginal bleeding for 24 to 48 hours.
Pain and discomfortYou can expect some pain and discomfort in your lower abdomen for the first few days after your operation. You may also have some pain in your shoulder.This is a common side effect of the operation. When leaving hospital, you will usually be provided with painkillers for the pain you are experiencing. Sometimes painkillers that contain codeine or dihydrocodeine can make you sleepy, slightly sick and constipated. If you do need to take these medications, try to eat extra fruit and fibre to reduce the chances of becoming constipated.
Starting to eat and drinkIf you have had a short general anaesthetic, once you are awake, you will be offered a drink of water or cup of tea and something light to eat before you go home
What can I expect after a laparoscopy?
Washing and showeringYou should be able to have a shower or bath and remove any dressing 24 hours after your operation. When you first take a shower or bath, it is a good idea for someone to be at home with you to help you if you feel faint or dizzy. Don’t worry about getting your scars wet - just ensure that you pat them dry with clean disposable tissues or let them dry in the air. Keeping scars clean and dry helps healing.
Formation of blood clots - how to reduce the risk There is a small risk of blood clots forming in the veins in your legs and pelvis (deep vein thrombosis) after any operation.These clots can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which could be serious.You can reduce the risk of clots by:
You may also be given other measures to reduce the risk of a clot developing, particularly if you are overweight or have other health issues.These may include:
Starting HRT (hormone replacement therapy) If your ovaries have been removed during your operation, you may be offered hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This will be discussed with you by your gynaecologist and together you can decide the best way.
Talking with your gynaecologist after your operation Your gynaecologist or another member of the surgical team may come and talk with you after your operation. Because you may still be coming round from the effects of the anaesthetic, it may be helpful for someone to be with you during this discussion.That way you can both ask questions and talk over what was said later on.
Tiredness You may feel much more tired than usual after your operation as your body is using a lot of energy to heal itself.You may need to take a nap during the day for the first few days. For many women this is the last symptom to improve.
What can help me recover?
It takes time for your body to heal and for you to get fit and well again after a laparoscopy. There are a number of positive steps you can take at this time. The following will help you recover.
A daily routine Establish a daily routine and keep it up. For example, try to get up at your usual time, have a wash and get dressed, move about and so on. Sleeping in and staying in bed can make you feel depressed.Try to complete your routine and rest later if you need to.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet Ensure that your body has all the nutrients it needs by eating a healthy balanced diet. A healthy diet is a high- fibre diet (fruit, vegetables, wholegrain bread and cereal) with up to two litres per day of fluid intake, mainly water. Remember to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day!
Stop smoking Stopping smoking will benefit your health in all sorts of ways, such as lessening the risk of a wound infection or chest problems after your anaesthetic. By not smoking - even if it is just while you are recovering - you will bring immediate benefits to your health. If you are unable to stop smoking before your operation, you may need to bring nicotine replacements for use during your hospital stay.You will not be able to smoke in hospital. If you would like information about a smoking cessation clinic in your area, speak with the nurse in your GP surgery.
A positive outlook Your attitude towards how you are recovering is an important factor in determining how your body heals and how you feel in yourself.You may want to use your recovery time as a chance to make some longer term positive lifestyle choices such as:
Returning to work
Everyone recovers at a different rate, so when you are ready to return to work will depend on the type of work you do, the number of hours and how you get to and from work.
You may experience more tiredness than normal after any operation, so your return to work should be like your return to physical activity, with a gradual increase in the hours and activities at work. If you have an occupational health department, they will advise on this.
Some women are fit to work after two to three weeks and will not be harmed by this if there are no complications from surgery.
Many women are able to go back to normal work after four to six weeks if they have been building up their levels of physical activity at home.
Returning to work can help your recovery by getting you back into your normal routine again. Some women who are off work for longer periods start to feel isolated and depressed.You do not have to be symptom free before you go back to work. It is normal to have some discomfort as you are
adjusting to working life. It might be possible for you to return to work by doing shorter hours or lighter duties and build up gradually over a period of time. Consider starting partway through your normal working week so you have a planned break quite soon.
You might also wish to see your GP or your occupational health department before you go back and do certain jobs - discuss this with them before your operation.You should not feel pressurised by family, friends or your employer to return to work before you feel ready.You do not need your GP’s permission to go back to work.The decision is yours.
Recovery tracker
Acknowledgements
This information was developed by a multidisciplinary working party on recovery following gynaecological surgery and was peer reviewed by experts in the field and by patients and the public.