On the day of surgery
• • You should have a bath or shower before you come to hospital.
• • If you wear contact lenses, you will need to remove them before your operation. Please bring your spectacles or an extra pair of contact lenses with you.
• • On admission to the unit you will be greeted by a nurse who will check that your details are correct.
• • The surgeon and the anaesthetist will talk to you and you will be invited to ask any questions you may have.
• • A member of staff will escort you, as you walk to the operating theatre.
Following your operation
You will be transferred to the ward area where nurses will continue to monitor your condition. You may feel some discomfort, particularly in your upper chest and shoulders. This is due to the abdominal inflation during surgery. Please inform the nurse looking after you, so that pain relief can be given. As long as you do not feel sick following your general anaesthetic you will be encouraged to have something to eat or drink, before going
home. Please tell staff if you do feel sick. After about one or two hours, if the nurse feels you are sufficiently recovered, you may be discharged home. You will be required to pass a minimum volume of 150mls urine before being discharged. This will be measured by nursing staff.
Care at home
You may experience some discomfort around your umbilicus (navel) and over your abdomen for a few days. You will be prescribed painkillers & antibiotics (if appropriate) to take home with you. Please take only as directed by the doctor. Your wound will have dissolvable stitches. Although these do not need removing, it is recommended that you have your wound checked by your doctor after five days. The wound should be left uncovered if it is dry. You will be given advice you about your wound care before you go home. If you have had a dye test, you should wear a sanitary towel to protect
your clothing from the discharge of the blue dye. If a sample of the womb lining (D & C) has been taken for investigation, you will be notified about the results during your review appointment. Some patients are troubled by ‘wind’ following laparoscopic surgery. This
can be relieved by gently walking around and by taking mild painkillers. You should move around gently, gradually building up to normal activities. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for two weeks. Avoid any heavy lifting for at least six weeks. You may drive when you feel you can safely perform an emergency stop. This will not be for the first 48 hours following your surgery. Please Patient Information check that your insurance policy does not prohibit you from driving for a longer period, following general anaesthetic or surgery.
You will need one week away from work, depending on your occupation. Your surgeon will be able to advise you about this and your GP will provide the necessary sick notes.
Possible Complications
All operations carry some risk. These are rare, and every effort is made to keep these to a minimum. Those associated with this operation include:
• • Slight oozing of blood from operation site
• • Infection at the operation site
• • Significant blood loss
• • Perforation of the bowel, bladder or blood vessels, which may require an operation to repair the damage.
Please contact your clinic if you develop:
• • A temperature
• • Fresh bleeding or bruising, redness or swelling at the operation site
• • Pus or drainage from the operation site
• • Vaginal discharge which has an unpleasant smell
• • Prolonged or severe pain
