Laparoscopy, otherwise known as keyhole surgery, is a minimally-invasive procedure that can be used to diagnose or treat a wide range of problems. At Lively Wellness & Aesthetics in Odessa, TX, Dr. Charles A. Lively, M.D. proudly offers this procedure due to the number of advantages it offers. One of these advantages is that recovery times are much shorter than recovery times following invasive surgery. Read on to learn more about it.
Recovery following a laparoscopy generally takes between one and three weeks, depending on the scope of the procedure. If surgery is only being used for diagnostic purposes, you can generally expect your recovery to take a week or two. On the other hand, you can expect to need roughly three weeks before you feel like your old self if an abdominal, uterine, or pelvic condition is treated during surgery. Some of the conditions that can be diagnosed or treated with surgery include:
You should try to walk every day during your recovery. You shouldn’t expect to be able to walk far during the first 24 hours post-op, but you should walk a little. Some people like to use a pedometer to track how far they walk and try to walk a bit farther the next day. If you do this, you’ll stay motivated, and you’ll be back to your usual stamina quickly. Just avoid any strenuous physical activity, like:
Walking daily is important for your recovery because it increases circulation. Your circulatory system is responsible for delivering all of the nutrients, oxygen, and other chemical compounds necessary for your skin to heal itself.
During your recovery, you must fuel your body so it can heal itself. During surgery, gas is used to inflate your abdomen, allowing for a better look at your internal organs. Due to this gas, you may not feel very hungry after surgery. If you don’t feel like eating, try to have a little low-fat yogurt to get some protein in your system. Other foods that may be suitable for your stomach include:
If you feel hungry, you can eat whatever you want. However, you should focus on providing your body with the fuel it can use to recover from surgery as quickly as possible. You should aim to get your recommended daily allowance of zinc, vitamin C, and protein. Additionally, you should try to eat lots of fibrous fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and grains. Soluble fiber is particularly important if you are taking a prescription opioid for post-op comfort.
Yes, you will need to take a prescription antibiotic after surgery. To mitigate the risk of post-surgical infection, you must take a full course of antibiotics exactly as prescribed and practice proper wound care. Furthermore, you may want to take a prescription or over-the-counter analgesics for several days post-op. During your initial consultation, Dr. Lively will advise you on what medications are acceptable.
Depending on what analgesics you take after surgery and your post-op diet, you may want to take a fiber supplement or laxative. If you take something to help facilitate bowel movements, make sure you stay hydrated.
One of the most important steps you need to take to care for your wounds is to leave the strips of tape on them until the strips fall off on their own. If they are still on after a week, you may remove them. Another very important step to take is to wash the surgical site with warm water and gentle, fragrance-free soap every day. Once you’re clean, pat yourself dry rather than rubbing yourself dry.
Additionally, you should refrain from using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to keep the surgical area clean. These cleansers will slow your healing down significantly. Finally, if you wish, you may use a gauze bandage to cover the surgical site so clothing does not rub against it. If you choose to do this, make sure that you change the bandage daily. It is a good idea to make this a part of your routine after you shower so you don’t forget.
No, you may not bathe during the first two weeks post-op. You must also avoid soaking your incisions in a pool or hot tub. Also, you should be aware that you may not shower during the first one or two days post-op.
Depending on the scope of the procedure, your laparoscopy recovery may take between one and three weeks. To find out if this procedure is right for you, contact us now at Lively Wellness & Aesthetics in Odessa, TX to schedule an initial evaluation with Dr. Lively. He will discuss your symptoms and determine whether laparoscopic surgery is the ideal diagnostic or treatment method for your condition.
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