Post Operative Care – Laparoscopy
Pain Relief Medications
Paracetamol 500mg; take 1 to 2 tablets every 4 hours if needed. Do not take more than 8 tablets over a 24 hour period.
Anti-inflammatory Medication; (for example Nurofen, Advil, ibuprofen, Voltaren or naproxen) should be taken with food. It works well for post-operative pain and period-like cramps. Take according to the directions on the packet.
Oxycodone (Endone); take half or one tablet every 3 to 4 hours as required. Constipation is very common if you are taking oxycodone regularly. Once the pain improves this is the first tablet you should stop.
Tramadol; may be used instead of oxycodone. Take 1 tablet (50mg) 3 times a day as required.
Bleeding
After a laparoscopy most people have some post-operative vaginal bleeding for a week or so. It is recommended that you don’t use tampons or have intercourse for a week after surgery to avoid infections.
Care of your Wounds:
Your abdominal wounds are held together with:
Skin Glue
No other dressing is needed. The glue is water-proof and can go in the shower. The glue will come off by itself. After a week the wounds will be healed and you can peel off any loose pieces of glue.
Dissolvable stitches under the skin.
These stitches do not need to be removed. The wound is covered with a Hypafix dressing which can go in the shower and be patted dry afterwards. The dressing can be removed after 1 week. The area can be cleaned with water and left open to the air.
A Mirena
If a Mirena has been inserted you may experience some crampy period-like pains. These are best treated with an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen, which should be taken with food. The pain should settle within 72 hours.
Insertion of a Mirena may bring on a period and be followed by spotting which can last for 6 weeks up to a few months.
Wound Infections
Wound infections are uncommon. The usual sign of an infection is that the skin around the wound becomes very red and hot or there may be discharge from the wound.
Small infections may settle after the discharge is cleaned away and an antiseptic like Betadine or Savlon is applied twice daily. If you are concerned about the wound please contact us, it is possible antibiotics may be required.
Constipation
Constipation is common after surgery, especially if you are taking tablets such as oxycodone or Tramadol. When you go home you should make sure you stay well hydrated and that you are eating some extra fibre or fruit such as pears or prunes.
If you are constipated you can use:
- Coloxyl and Senna; 2 tablets each night
- Lactulose; 20ml of syrup 1 to 3 times a day
If constipation persists please contact us to discuss further options.
Problems to watch out for
Occasionally serious complications occur after surgery. If you are concerned please contact us.
- Tenderness or swelling in a leg/calf
- Difficulty breathing
- Allergic reactions / rashes
- Increasing pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
Contact Details
O&G Rooms: 1300 604 377 (Mon to Fri 9 to 5) t