Postoperative period after laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is an innovative technique of endoscopic surgery, which is widely used for diagnosing and surgical treatment of internal organs. The high prevalence is explained by the high efficiency of the technique, ease of implementation, as well as a short recovery period and the absence of severe complications.

Scope and basic principles of laparoscopy

Despite the fact that laparoscopy has found wide application in the diagnosis and treatment of various types of diseases, it is most popular in gynecology. During the operation, the patient is under general anesthesia. When it is carried out, three or four small punctures are created on the abdominal wall. The diameter of such a puncture does not exceed 2 centimeters.

A small video camera with a light source is inserted into one of the formed punctures. Other punctures are necessary for the use of special laparoscopic instruments. In order for the surgeon to not interfere with the internal organs and the abdominal wall during the operation, carbon dioxide is supplied to one of the holes. This procedure is necessary in order to lift the walls of the abdominal cavity and expand the view.

Everything that the doctor does inside the abdominal cavity with the operating organ of the patient is displayed on a special monitor. After all the necessary actions have been completed, the instruments and the video camera are removed from the abdominal cavity. A suture is applied to each formed puncture, which subsequently does not form a visible scar.

Recovery period after laparoscopy

The duration of the rehabilitation period after laparoscopy can take from 2 to 4 weeks. The exact amount of time required for a full recovery depends on the severity of the operation, as well as whether there were complications after it or not. During the first three hours after the operation, the patient recovers from anesthesia. In this case, weakness, nausea and dizziness are normal phenomena. In addition, throughout the first day, a woman may feel a slight pain in the lower abdomen. These pain sensations are most often associated directly with the surgical intervention itself, as well as with the fact that carbon dioxide was introduced into the abdominal cavity during the operation. In most cases, these pain sensations are mild, their intensity decreases over time. If the patient still complains of severe enough pain, then the attending physician may prescribe special painkillers.

After the operation, the patient will be allowed to get up immediately after the anesthesia wears off. At the same time, she will be able not only to rise to her feet, but also to walk. Such physical activity is not only acceptable, but also useful and favorably affects the normalization of blood circulation, which is necessary to prevent the development of thrombophlebitis and the formation of adhesions. During such a walk, the patient should pay attention to all her sensations. She should not overstrain, and all movements should be not sharp and as careful as possible.

In order for the postoperative period after laparoscopy to pass in a normal mode and not cause any particular inconvenience to the patient, and also not cause the occurrence of certain complications, she must strictly follow all the recommendations of the attending physician. They, in turn, will include the mandatory intake of medicines and adherence to a diet and drinking regimen.

Diet after laparoscopy

Laparoscopy performed requires a strict diet. On the first day, the patient is not recommended to eat anything. This is required in order to allow the body to fully “rest”. At the same time, she is not forbidden to drink, but it is necessary to do this in small quantities in small sips without straining the abdominal cavity. The most suitable drinks in this period are still water, juices, fruit drinks and not weak tea.

Starting from the second day, the patient can begin to fully eat. At the same time, the volume of each serving of food should be insignificant. The minimum number of meals during the day is 5 times. Such conditions allow the body not to spend a large amount of energy required for recovery on the digestion of food, and at the same time the patient does not experience hunger. From the diet must be completely excluded:

• very fatty and fried foods prepared with a large amount of vegetable and butter, as well as margarine;
• spicy dishes;
• canned, pickled and smoked products;
• confectionery and sweets;
• bean products.

The explanation for this diet is very simple. Fatty and fried foods are not recommended to be consumed not only after the operation, but throughout the life of each person, only occasionally making exceptions. Proper nutrition includes steaming, baking and boiling food. This is necessary in order to save the stomach from the excessive work that is required to digest such dishes. After laparoscopy, which is also a surgical intervention, the body needs more energy to recover. That is why it is not necessary to create conditions that will take away this energy in vain.

Exclusion from the diet of legumes, confectionery and rich products and products due to their effect on the formation of flatulence and bloating. This phenomenon is also not required to be allowed, since with flatulence, intra-abdominal pressure will increase, and the larger intestine will affect the operated area. This can not only cause additional pain, but also provoke the onset of an inflammatory process.

When answering the question of what you can eat after laparoscopy, the best option would be a diet that includes:

• weak meat broths;
• low-fat soups;
• any cereals;
• fresh vegetables and fruits, and purees made from them;
• dairy products;
• whole wheat bread.

At the same time, the simpler and more easily digestible the food, the better. To cook them, it is better to use boiling or steam exposure. Also, all food should provide saturation of the body with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Drinking alcohol in the first 30 days after the operation is prohibited. The same can be said about smoking.

Additional Recommendations

Staying in the hospital during laparoscopy after surgery does not exceed 6 days. Such a period is realistic only if the patient did not experience any complications after the surgical intervention. After this period, the patient is discharged, and the entire subsequent rehabilitation period takes place at home. At the same time, one should not forget that for 1-1.5 months after discharge, she must not only follow a diet, but follow other doctor's recommendations, the main of which include:

• carrying out daily treatment of sutures with special antiseptic preparations, which continues until they are completely healed. For these purposes, the patient can visit the clinic or perform these actions on her own;
• ensuring complete sexual rest and abstinence from sexual intercourse for the possibility of restoring internal organs and starting their normal functioning;
• limitation of physical activity and refusal to play sports. The maximum weight that the patient can lift is 3 kilograms. The implementation of this recommendation is necessary to ensure that the abdominal muscles are completely at rest;
• exposure to fresh air, which will provide the body with the necessary amount of oxygen required for the normal functioning of all organs and for their fastest recovery. In addition, walking does not belong to intense physical activity, but at the same time it improves blood circulation, and also prevents the formation of blood clots and adhesions;
• refraining from traveling in public transport, as well as traveling by plane;
• a ban on visiting the sauna, bath, solarium and swimming pool.

In the event that the sutures of the punctures are made with non-absorbable threads, then they are removed about a week after laparoscopy. Throughout this time, the patient must protect the damaged area during water procedures. In this case, bathing is prohibited.

After a gynecological laparoscopy, the postoperative period may be accompanied by slight bloody discharge from the genitals. This is quite normal and should not be feared. But at the same time, you should immediately consult a doctor if such discharge has become abundant and bright red with the presence of blood clots. Such manifestations may occur when an infection or other complications require specific treatment.

Thus, the postoperative period after laparoscopy consists in diet, restriction of physical activity and abstinence from sexual intercourse. Otherwise, the patient can lead a normal life, paying attention to changes in her body. If pain or other signs of incipient complications occur, she should contact her doctor so that he can determine their cause in time and prescribe the appropriate treatment.