Laparoscopic surgery in Scottsdale is different for everyone. Each patient will have a different experience based on their expectations, the scope and length of the surgery, the surgeon, the facility, the nurses, how they respond to pain and a variety of other factors.
Since few resources exist that discuss laparoscopy from a patient’s perspective, today we’re sharing some information to give you a better idea of what is involved before and after laparoscopic surgery in Scottsdale.
Overview of the Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopy is typically performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. Generally, a small incision is made near the navel and the abdomen is filled with CO2 gas to lift the abdomen away from the internal organs to give the surgeon a better view.
The lighted laparoscope is then inserted into the abdomen so the doctor can examine the pelvic organs, to look for obvious and abnormal endometriosis lesions or cysts, adhesions and scarring. Depending on your history and symptoms, the doctor may also look for fibroid tumors or other abnormalities.
Following are some things you can expect when having this procedure.
Length of Stay: Laparoscopic surgery in Scottsdale is typically performed on an outpatient basis, although an overnight stay may be required if the surgery is complex or lengthy. If a bowel resection or partial bowel resection is performed, your hospital stay may be extended.
Bowel Prep: The surgeon often orders a bowel prep the evening before surgery. The process typically includes a liquid diet and various preparations to evacuate your bowels. This is not a pleasant process, but it is necessary if any bowel work is anticipated.
Pain Immediately Following Surgery: When you come out of the anesthesia in the recovery room, you may be in some pain – be sure to speak up so it can be properly managed.
Have a Ride: Even if your surgery is scheduled to be on an outpatient basis, you will be required to have someone drive you home.
Shoulder Pain: One of the most unsettling things about laparoscopic surgery in Scottsdale is the subsequent shoulder pain, which is caused by the CO2 gas becoming trapped against the diaphragm.
Nausea: Many patients experience some nausea after laparoscopy. Many medications exist to help with this. Some can be taken before surgery, some during and some after.
Length of Recovery: For the first two or three days following laparoscopy, most women feel tired and groggy. During this time, it helps to have a family member or friend remain close by.
Recuperation During The First Two Weeks: Your doctor may restrict driving for two weeks following laparoscopy. Intercourse, tub bathing, douching, and swimming will also be restricted.
Post-Op Blues: Most patients experience a period of emotional ups and downs following surgery. For some, the blues remain for several weeks. It’s not unusual to cry easily or become anxious, agitated, frightened or suspicious.
Incisional Numbness: You may feel a “pins and needles” effect at the incision site. This is due to the nerves being cut. Over time, the nerves will heal and the sensation will subside.
Wear Loose Clothing Following Surgery: Most patients find that wearing comfy clothes is best during the first few weeks after surgery. The incision site will be tender and the abdomen swollen. Therefore, you probably won’t want to wear anything snug around the middle.
If you have questions regarding laparoscopic surgery in Scottsdale or would like more information, call our office today to schedule a consultation.
Cleark Roney is a content writer who is always looking for the next project to sink her teeth into. His favorite thing about writing is that it can be applied to any industry and He loves getting to combine creativity with knowledge of an industry. Cleark enjoys reading, hiking, traveling and watching movies in her spare time. Cleark Roney is a creative content writer who has been published on various platforms. He likes to write about topics related to every where he spent all his time and gained knowlegde.
