In general you need one week off from work after a laparoscopy. Some women may need two weeks, depending on how you are recovering and your type of work. As with any procedure that requires a general anaesthetic, you must not drive for the first 24 hours after discharge from hospital.
If you had laparoscopy, you'll probably go home from the hospital on the same day. But you'll need to rest in a recovery area until your medical team clears you. You'll likely feel tired for a few days. But you should be able to return to normal routines in about two weeks, though it could take longer for some people.
3-4 days of quick recovery. Ability to exercise and have intercourse within 7-10 days, usually off work one week. Well recovered by 4-8 weeks.
Returning to work
If you have had a diagnostic laparoscopy or a simple procedure such as a sterilisation, you can expect to feel able to go back to work within one week. Although you will not be harmed by doing light work just after surgery, it would be unwise to try to do much within the first 48 hours.
Post-op endometriosis laparoscopic care:
You might be instructed not to shower or take a bath for up to 48 hours following a laparoscopy to allow the incision to heal. You may have some light vaginal bleeding. Wear sanitary pads if needed. Do not douche or use tampons.
How does endometriosis surgery affect weight? Indirectly, having surgery to remove the characteristic growths may help with pain and reduce bloating. This, in turn, may help a person lose weight.
You don't need to stay in bed, but it's best to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day. After 24 hours, there is no limit on your physical activity as long as you're not taking narcotic medication.
Activity after surgery
There are no standard rules in regards to activity after laparoscopic procedures. In some cases, your doctor may restrict driving for two weeks. Only begin driving when you feel strong enough to be able to stop the vehicle in an emergency, otherwise have someone drive you.
It is no good waiting for 21 days of nothing and then trying a flat-out track session. If you were to start running in less than three weeks, it should be at a gentle tempo without any pressure. You can then slowly increase intensity and mileage over time, building up to full training after the six-week mark.
Laparotomy Surgery for Endometriosis
A laparotomy is major surgery, with one large cut in your belly. Doctors usually use it when you have severe endometriosis that they can't treat with laparoscopy.
Patients who have robotic excision of endo with or without a presacral neurectomy will usually have pretty significant menstrual cramps the first few months after surgery. In fact, your first period after surgery may be worse than before surgery.
Activity. Do not drive for at least 3 days after surgery. Start walking around as soon as you get home. You may use stairs, but move slowly.
The truth of the matter is that symptoms such as swelling, stomach discomfort and distention are very common after surgery. The good news is that these sensations are only temporary. Phew! Post-operative bloating and swelling usually peaks 48 hours after surgery, but will mostly subside by the 12-week mark.
After surgery, it's normal to have a sore belly, cramping, or pain around the cuts the doctor made (incisions) for a few days. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day. But you might get tired quickly and need pain medicine for a few days.
You'll be unconscious during the surgery and won't feel any pain. Laparoscopic surgery has advantages over traditional surgery, including more rapid recovery, reduced pain and much smaller scars. If you have a laparoscopy, it often means you don't need to stay in hospital overnight.
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.
For example, a standard laparoscopy for endometriosis may involve four incisions and take 45-60 minutes. Frequently, a laparoscopy is a day procedure, which means you don't have to stay overnight in the hospital or clinic.
These incisions will have been closed by stitches, glue or staples. The Practice Nurse at your local surgery can usually take out staples or undissolved stitches that need to be removed about 5 days after your operation.
The advantage of laparoscopy is that only small cuts (incisions) are required. The added advantage of laparoscopy in endometriosis is that your diagnosis can be confirmed and treatment can be carried out at the same time. It can also rule out some other conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Sometimes we may insert a catheter (plastic tube) into your bladder during surgery. This is to keep your bladder empty during your operation. If this is the case, we will remove the catheter the following morning unless we have operated on the bladder, in which case it may stay in for longer.
Typical costs
For patients with private health insurance who had a Laparoscopic resection of endometriosis in a private setting across all of Australia, 74% had an out-of-pocket cost. Of those: Patients typically paid: $560, Medicare paid: $1,700, Insurer typically paid: $1,600. Typical specialists' fees: $4,100.
Loose clothing following surgery
Most of us have found that comfy clothes are very welcome during the first few weeks after laparoscopy. The incision site will be tender and the abdomen swollen. Therefore, you probably won't want to wear anything snug around the middle.
Experiences with the first period after a laparoscopy can vary dramatically. If your period is more painful, longer, or heavier than usual, don't panic. Internal healing takes much longer than external healing. Therefore, your first few periods may be more painful.