Each person’s recovery time may be a bit different, depending on the individual as well as the procedure.
You can shower the day after your surgery.
You can generally expect to feel back to your baseline and return to work and regular activities within 2-4 weeks.
You may experience some abdominal pain, cramping, and/or vaginal spotting after laparoscopy. Some people may feel shoulder tip pain for a few days. These symptoms should improve with time. If you start to feel worse, you should seek medical attention.
Chewing gum, coffee, and walking may speed up your recovery. You can eat and drink as soon as you feel ready. Some people can feel nauseous after the anesthetic.
Nothing should be inserted into the vagina (including penetrative sex) until the bleeding has stopped or at least 6 weeks if your uterus has been removed (hysterectomy).
Use your pain as your guide for other physical activities.
Pain medications
You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) for pain relief. Additional stronger pain medications may also be prescribed by your medical team.
If your pain is not adequately managed with these pain medications, you should let your doctor know.
Heat packs
You can apply heat to your abdomen. This improves blood flow and helps relieve pain.
Exercise
Being active will help restore strength and range of motion.
Relaxation techniques
Imagery, music and rest are other ways to help relieve pain.
You should call your care provider if you experience:
Heavy vaginal bleeding requiring a pad change every hour or more frequently
Foul smelling vaginal discharge
Fever over 38 degrees Celsius
Chest pain or shortness of breath
Pain or swelling in one or both legs
Severe pain that is not improved with medications
Signs of infection at incisions (pain, redness, or pus)
If you cannot reach your surgeon, or it is after-hours, please present to the emergency room at the centre where you had your procedure.
Your doctor will schedule a follow up visit after the procedure. At this visit they will ask about your recovery and review the pathology results if you had any tissue removed.