Pre-op
- Please have your pre-op blood test (if requested to) 1 week prior to your surgery date.
- Avoid constipation in the days leading up to your operation. If needed take a stool softener/laxative eg. Movicol, Fybogel, Metamucil.
- Give your umbilicus a thorough wash with hot soapy water on the day of surgery.
Post-op
You will experience some pain/discomfort at the Laparoscopy incision sites for up to a week and also across your shoulders for 1-4 days after the operation. This is referred pain due to the gas that is put into the abdominal cavity during the operation to facilitate visualisation of your organs. This discomfort will resolve spontaneously as the gas is absorbed; however it can be can be eased by:
- Regular painkillers.
- Walking and position changes (ie. avoid lying flat).
- Hot packs across your shoulders.
It is normal to feel tired and ‘washed out’ after the anaesthetic for 24-48 hours post op. Allow yourself time to adequately recover by:
- Resting (ensure you have someone staying with you on the first night after surgery).
- Drink adequate fluids.
- Eat small nutritious snacks, it may take a few days for your appetite to return to normal and consequently your bowel function.
- Walk around to facilitate good circulation and return of regular bowel habits.
- Take regular painkillers.
- Avoid heavy housework/strenuous activities until fully recovered (may need to allow 1-2 weeks).
- Avoid intercourse for 1- 2 weeks.
- Abdominal incisions will have glue on them which can stay on for up to a week. It may fall off earlier in some cases and that is OK.
- Observe your wounds for healing and report any redness or discharge to Dr Zachariah.
Report to Dr Zachariah’s rooms if you feel unwell, experience a sudden increase in pain, have a fever or chills or vomiting/nausea, have heavy bleeding (ie. soaking a pad every 1-2 hours) or offensive discharge.
If you are unable to contact Dr Zachariah (out of office hours or on the weekend) call HPH and ask to speak to the Duty Nurse Manager who will discuss your concerns and then contact Dr Zachariah.
It is important to return for your post-operative appointment. This allows Dr Zachariah to assess the effectiveness of your surgery.