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Diagnostic or operative
Laparoscopy may be performed to investigate or operate on a pelvic problem, such as pelvic pain.
It enables the surgeon to view the pelvic organs by inserting a telescope/laparoscope through a small cut below the naval. Gas is pumped into the abdomen in order to enhance the view and a second or third small cut may be necessary to allow the insertion of other instruments.
The length of time the operation takes varies, according to the extent of surgery, as does the time it takes to recover.
Preparing for your operation
You should stop eating or drinking six hours prior to the operation.
On admission to the ward, the nurses will introduce themselves, explain your operation and help prepare you for your operation. Your anaesthetist will visit and we will ask you to sign a consent form, if you have not done so already.
Laparoscopic surgery sometimes involves bowel preparation, which will be discussed with you by your nurse.
After your operation
You will wake up from your operation in the recovery room, where your blood pressure and pulse will be recorded regularly. You will then be transferred back to your room where you will be observed as necessary. Some patients will return to the ward with a drip intravenous infusion, in progress. This will be removed once you are drinking. You may have some vaginal bleeding and your nurse will check this.
You should not hesitate to contact your nurse at any time should you have any problems.
Most women will experience abdominal pain, and sometimes pain in shoulder tips. This will require pain relief. Your nurse will advise you as to when you can drink and start eating. The cut below the naval will have a suture in it and the suture is absorbable.
Preparing for discharge
You may get your suture wet when you shower but you should ensure that it is dry afterwards. The Consultant will speak to you to explain your operation and discuss when to visit for follow up.
We advise you to arrange to be collected from hospital. Use sanitary pads
not tampons for any vaginal bleeding.
Shower rather than bath for first two to three days, and keep wounds dry. If they become red, sore or inflamed please inform the hospital or your Consultant. Take pain relief as necessary.
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