Menu
Laparoscopic surgery and hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) are “minimally invasive” procedures commonly used to treat gastrointestinal tract diseases. Unlike traditional surgery on the colon or other parts of the intestines where a long incision down the center of the abdomen is required, laparoscopic surgery requires only small “keyhole” incisions in the abdomen. In the case of hand-assisted surgery, a 3-4 inch incision is also used to allow the surgeon’s hand access to the abdominal organs. As a result, the person undergoing the procedure may experience less pain and scarring after surgery, and a more rapid recovery.
Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery
Rather than the traditional four to five small incisions, a single small incision can be used at the entry point. All surgical instruments are placed through this small incision and also the incision site is located in the left abdomen or umbilicus.
Key Benefits of Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery
Dr. Himanshu Yadav is having extensive experience in laparoscopic surgeries:
Post-op care after laparoscopic repair
1. Diet – Some patients may find that their appetite is poor for a week or two after surgery. This is a normal result of the stress of surgery– your appetite should return in time. If you find you are persistently nauseated or unable to take in liquids, contact our office and let us know.
2. Wound care – It is OK to shower starting around 36 hours after surgery. If you have a dressing on the incisions, take it off before showering. You might see little pieces of tape (called steri-strips) directly attached to your skin. It is OK to get these little tapes wet in the shower. The tapes will begin to peel up on the ends 7-10 days after surgery – at this point, they have done their job and it is OK for you to peel them the rest of the way off if you wish. You do not have to have them on when you come for your postoperative visit. No baths, pools, or hot tubs for two weeks following surgery. We try to close your incisions to leave the smallest possible scar. Do not put any ointment or other medication on your incisions – it will not make them “heal better.”
3. Activity – There are certain medical or physical restrictions on activity after surgery. That means it is OK to walk, climb stairs, lift, and have sexual intercourse as long as it doesn’t hurt. Returning to normal activity as soon as possible will most likely enhance your recovery. However, if it doesn’t feel good, don’t do it. Take it easy and let pain be your guide! You may also feel easily fatigued and “washed out” for a week or two following the surgery. These factors will put some limitations on your activity, but you will not cause any damage even if some soreness is experienced. However, It is recommended that patients who have undergone an umbilical laparoscopic surgery avoid any strenuous activity for at least six weeks. Do NOT lift anything heavier than 15 pounds for a minimum of two weeks (or as instructed by your surgeon). Do NOT cough or strain while passing motion or do any activity that increases intra-abdominal pressure.
It is recommended to do the following
4. Work – Everyone returns to work at different times. If you want, you may return to work right away; however, as a rough guide, most people take at least 1-2 weeks off prior to returning to work. If you need particular documentation for your job, call the office.
5. Driving – You will usually be able to drive when you have not needed the narcotic (prescription) pain medications for two days.
6. Bowel movements – The first bowel movement may occur anywhere from 1-5 days after surgery – as long as you are not nauseated or having abdominal pain this variation is acceptable. Remember that it is very common to pass a lot more gas from your rectum than you used to – this is because you will not be able to belch. Some patients also find that they have diarrhea or “loose bowels” for the first days after their laparoscopic repair – in the vast majority of cases, the bowel function normalizes with time. Constipation may also be common due to the pain medication. We recommend taking Milk of Magnesia (2 tablespoons; twice a day) while taking the pain pills to avoid constipation.
7. Seroma – Some patients find that their laparoscopic “returns” right after surgery. Don’t worry – this is a normal feeling and/or appearance. The laparoscopic repair did not fail – the place where the laparoscopic contents were can sometimes fill up with post-operative fluid – this fluid is a normal result of surgery and will usually be absorbed by the body in several weeks.
8. WHEN TO CALL @Dr.Himanshus clinic
If you are experiencing pain after laparoscopy surgery, we want to talk about it with you. This helps us learn how best to treat your laparoscopy pain. As caregivers, we will ask many of the following questions before, during, and after pain control treatments to help us learn more about your abdominal pain after surgery.
Pain control techniques help you deal with pain instead of taking it away. It is important to practice the technique even when you do not have pain if possible. This will help the technique work better during an attack of pain.
Activity: It is important to start moving as soon as possible after laparoscopy surgery. Moving helps your breathing and digestion and helps you heal faster. But, it may hurt to move even though moving and being active actually helps lessen abdominal pain over time. At first you may need to rest in bed with your upper body raised on pillows. This helps you breathe easier and may help lessen post-surgery laparoscopy pain.
Cold and Heat: Both cold and heat can help lessen some types of post-op pain. Some types of pain improve best using cold while other types of pain improve most with heat. Caregivers will tell you if cold and/or hot packs will help your abdominal pain after laparoscopy surgery.
Pillow: Holding a pillow firmly against your incision can help lessen the pain.
Distraction: By distracting yourself, you can focus your attention on something other than the pain. Playing cards or games, talking and visiting with family may relax you and keep you from thinking about your laparoscopy pain. Watching TV or reading may also be helpful.
Music: It does not matter whether you listen to music, sing, hum or play an instrument. Music increases blood flow to the brain and helps you take in more air. It increases energy and helps change your mood. Music may also cause your brain to make endorphins which further lessens pain.
Relaxation Techniques: Stress and anxiety can make pain worse and may slow healing. Since it is difficult to avoid stress, learn to control it. Ask for more information on deep breathing exercises, muscle relaxation techniques, or meditation.
Copyright 2022 © All Rights Reserved