DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS POST OPERATIVE LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY
These instructions are given to you to assist you in your recovery and to prevent
complications from your procedure. Please read and follow them carefully.
1. Rest 24-48 hours following the procedure. Resume eating gradually. Begin with clear liquids and
progress as you feel ready. On the following day, you can do those activities that you feel able to do
within 3 to 4 days resume all normal activities, as instructed by your doctor.
2. One of the main benefits of surgery with the laparoscope is the lack of a significant incision and a
minimal of postoperative discomfort. You may notice a dull ache at the puncture site, muscular aching,
usually in the neck and shoulder region, and vaginal spotting. Discomfort or pain is usually relieved
by mild pain relievers or as prescribed by your doctor.
3. You may feel dizzy, light-headed or sleepy for 12 to 24 hours after your operation; this is perfectly
normal. You may be unsteady on your feet and at increased risk for slipping or falling for 12 to 24
hours. Please have someone stay with you for 24 hours after surgery. You should not drive or operate
any mechanical or electrical devices until this feeling has worn off. After a general anesthetic, it is
normal to feel a generalized aching and sore muscles for 24 to 48 hours. A sore throat may also
occur.
4. Tomorrow you may bathe or shower. Remove bandaids after bathing. Do not leave on wet bandaids.
Pat incisions dry and keep incisions covered 2 to 3 days if you prefer. Some spotting may be expected
on the bandaids. If bleeding does not stop after gentle pressure is applied, notify your physician. If
you have thin, white tape strips under the bandaids, these will loosen and fall off in 5 to 7 days. If not,
they may be removed in one week.
5. The stitches usually dissolve by themselves. Avoid strenuous lifting, putting tension or traction on
the incisions and rubbing or irritating the incisions for the first week after surgery to allow the abdominal
incisions time to heal.
6. If a D&C was done you may have vaginal bleeding during the first few days following surgery and
you may not have intercourse, use tampons, tub bathe or douche until ok'd by your doctor.
7. Notify your physician if you develop:
a. fever; temperature greater than 100 degrees by mouth
b. fainting spells
c. abdominal pain that is persistent or increasing after 12 hours
d. persistent bleeding from the incision sites
e. persistent nausea and vomiting after 12 hours
8. Please call your physician's office during normal office hours for a follow-up appointment if not
already arranged. The telephone number is:_____________________.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
I have read and understand the instructions above.
_________________________________________________ _____________ _____________
Patient Signature Date Time
_________________________________________________
R.N. Signature
Patient Identification
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
A Sutter Health Affiliate
Discharge Instructions: Post
Operative Laparoscopy Surgery
NS-083 (5/18/06) ORIGINAL - CHART COPY - PATIENT PLACE IN FRONT OF CHART
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS POST OPERATIVE LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY
These instructions are given to you to assist you in your recovery and to prevent
complications from your procedure. Please read and follow them carefully.
1. Rest 24-48 hours following the procedure. Resume eating gradually. Begin with clear liquids and
progress as you feel ready. On the following day, you can do those activities that you feel able to do
within 3 to 4 days resume all normal activities, as instructed by your doctor.
2. One of the main benefits of surgery with the laparoscope is the lack of a significant incision and a
minimal of postoperative discomfort. You may notice a dull ache at the puncture site, muscular aching,
usually in the neck and shoulder region, and vaginal spotting. Discomfort or pain is usually relieved
by mild pain relievers or as prescribed by your doctor.
3. You may feel dizzy, light-headed or sleepy for 12 to 24 hours after your operation; this is perfectly
normal. You may be unsteady on your feet and at increased risk for slipping or falling for 12 to 24
hours. Please have someone stay with you for 24 hours after surgery. You should not drive or operate
any mechanical or electrical devices until this feeling has worn off. After a general anesthetic, it is
normal to feel a generalized aching and sore muscles for 24 to 48 hours. A sore throat may also
occur.
4. Tomorrow you may bathe or shower. Remove bandaids after bathing. Do not leave on wet bandaids.
Pat incisions dry and keep incisions covered 2 to 3 days if you prefer. Some spotting may be expected
on the bandaids. If bleeding does not stop after gentle pressure is applied, notify your physician. If
you have thin, white tape strips under the bandaids, these will loosen and fall off in 5 to 7 days. If not,
they may be removed in one week.
5. The stitches usually dissolve by themselves. Avoid strenuous lifting, putting tension or traction on
the incisions and rubbing or irritating the incisions for the first week after surgery to allow the abdominal
incisions time to heal.
6. If a D&C was done you may have vaginal bleeding during the first few days following surgery and
you may not have intercourse, use tampons, tub bathe or douche until ok'd by your doctor.
7. Notify your physician if you develop:
a. fever; temperature greater than 100 degrees by mouth
b. fainting spells
c. abdominal pain that is persistent or increasing after 12 hours
d. persistent bleeding from the incision sites
e. persistent nausea and vomiting after 12 hours
8. Please call your physician's office during normal office hours for a follow-up appointment if not
already arranged. The telephone number is:_____________________.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS:
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
I have read and understand the instructions above.
_________________________________________________ _____________ _____________
Patient Signature Date Time
_________________________________________________
R.N. Signature
Patient Identification
Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento
A Sutter Health Affiliate
Discharge Instructions: Post
Operative Laparoscopy Surgery
NS-083 (5/18/06) ORIGINAL - CHART COPY - PATIENT PLACE IN FRONT OF CHART
