Discharge Instructions for Pelvic Laparoscopy

You had a procedure called pelvic laparoscopy. During this procedure, your doctor used small incisions in your abdomen to  examine your abdominal or pelvic organs and possibly to perform a procedure. Recovery from laparoscopy is faster than from regular open abdominal surgery (called laparotomy).

What to Expect

Remember, you can expect the following:

• Light bleeding from the vagina

• Soreness, bruising, and mild swelling near incisions

• Burning with urination for a few days

• Some abdominal and shoulder pain

• Constipation

• Feeling tired, especially for the first 24 hours you are home

Activity

• Take it easy for the rest of the day after you are discharged. Each day, do a little more as you feel able.

• Don’t stay in bed. Get up and move around.

• Don’t drive for 7 days.

• Avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks.

Incision and Other Care

• Put nothing in your vagina for 2 weeks.

• Take pain medications as directed.

• Don’t drink alcohol while on pain medications.

• Wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen peas in a plastic bag; then cover with a thin cloth. Place it over the bandaged incision area for no longer than 20 minutes at a time. Do this as needed to reduce pain and keep swelling down.

• Don’t pull off the strips of tape (Steri-Strips) used to close your incisions. Let them fall off on their own.

• If you have a gauze bandage, replace it after 24 hours.

• Shower as needed. If you still have a bandage, cover it with plastic wrap to keep it dry.

• Don’t swim or take a tub bath for 2 weeks.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.