Skip the primary navigation if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.
You will usually have some pain around the cuts that have been made. You may feel generally uncomfortable around your abdomen. Some patients report pain at their shoulder tip. This is caused by the carbon dioxide gas used in the laparoscopy, which may irritate the underneath of your diaphragm (the lining between the abdomen and the upper chest). This pain soon passes. Pain killers are always given.
You may have a little bruising or bleeding around your skin cuts, or bruising on your abdomen.
Occasionally, because there is fluid (e.g. blood, lymph, saline) in your abdomen, a drain has to be attached to your wound for a few days.
After a simple laparoscopy (with no surgery) most patients are fully recovered and pain-free within two or three days.
Most laparoscopies are carried out as day-cases. Because you have had a general anaesthetic, you will be kept for observation for a few hours, and then allowed home. You will not be fit to drive, and should have someone come to collect you.
After laparoscopic surgery you will need to stay in hospital overnight, and possibly for several days longer.
