General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
Laparoscopy is a surgical technique that lets the team examine the inside of the abdomen and sometimes treat a lesion through small incisions. It can be used for different digestive, gynaecological or urinary conditions.
The surgeon introduces a camera after putting gas into the abdomen to improve the view of the organs. Additional small openings can admit instruments if an operation is planned or becomes necessary.
Before the procedure, discuss the planned operation, its risks and the possibility of needing a larger abdominal opening. Tell the anaesthetist about your medicines, particularly anticoagulants, conditions and allergies; follow your personal fasting and medication instructions.
The length of stay depends on the procedure. Before discharge, clarify available results, wound care, the follow-up appointment and how to reach the team. If you go home the same day, arrange for someone to accompany you.
After returning home, contact your surgeon or doctor about any abnormal symptom, including fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, burning on urination, wound bleeding or discharge, or a painful or swollen calf. Do not assume these signs are only caused by gas.
After an operation, chest pain, difficulty breathing, a cough with blood-stained sputum, faintness or loss of consciousness can indicate pulmonary embolism. A rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, mottled knees, blue fingers or lips, or cold hands or feet are other possible signs. For these postoperative signs, call 15 or 112 immediately in France.
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