Laparoscopy Postoperative Instructions

• Your postoperative appointment should be scheduled for approximately one to two weeks after your procedure.
• No douches, tampons or intercourse until your two week postoperative checkup and approval by the doctor.
• Clear liquid diet the day of the surgery, no milk products, greasy or spicy foods, then diet as desired.  No alcoholic beverages during recovery.
• Showers are allowed.  You may wash your hair.
• You should expect some vaginal spotting or slight vaginal bleeding for one to three weeks.  A certain amount of red or brown vaginal discharge is to be expected.
• Take your temperature two times per day for five days.  If you have fever over 100.4 degrees F, chills, foul vaginal discharge, pain or redness at your incision site notify our office.
• Get plenty of rest.
• When showering, clean your incision with regular soap and dry carefully.  Drying the incision area with a hair dryer works well.
• You should not drive an automobile or operative machinery while you require narcotic pain medication (Darvocet, Lortab, Codeine, Tylox, Propoxyphene, Oxycodone).
• Common postoperative complaints include shoulder pain, abdominal bloating, sore throat and pain at the incision site.  Lie totally flat if you have shoulder pain and it should resolve.  Walking can also help.  A throat lozenge may help a sore throat.
• Please avoid any activity requiring mental concentration such as major business or personal decisions for two days after a general anesthetic.  You may return to work and moderate activity by the third postoperative day.  No heavy lifting (straining to lift) for at least two to three weeks after this operation.
• You should make no vacation or travel plans until you are 2 weeks postoperative.