This procedure takes about 25 minutes and means looking inside your tummy with a telescope, through a small hole - cut in your skin close to your tummy button and another small nick near the pubic hair line.
Usually this procedure is performed as a day case but you may need to stay in hospital overnight following the procedure.
Precautions before a planned procedure:
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If your period is due, or you think you might be bleeding on the day of the procedure, please ring the Day Unit on 020 8296 2864 to discuss if an alternative date may be necessary
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It is very important to use an effective form of contraception, eg condom or abstinence, from the time of your last period preceding the laparoscopy until after the test is performed
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If you last period is delayed (late) or very light, please perform a pregnancy test the day before you are due to attend for the procedure. If this is not done, then it might not be possible to perform this test
There will be plasters covering the small cuts on your tummy and the nurse will remove these or renew them the next morning and check the skin underneath.
Normally there is one stitch underneath each plaster, although dissolvable it can take up to eight weeks to dissolve and fall away, therefore we recommend having the stitches removed after three days. This can be done by the Practice Nurse at your GP surgery. The ward staff will give you a letter to take home with you.
It is important to ensure the wound areas are clean and dry.
The doctor will see you following your operation and explain the outcome. The doctor will tell you if you need a hospital check-up and if so an appointment will be made and given to you or will be sent to you by post. When a hospital follow up appointment is not needed, please contact your GP with any subsequent concerns.
The nurse will order any prescription that you may need before you go home and you will be given a letter for your GP, to deliver to the surgery.
You will be given TED stockings to wear prior to the procedure and these should continue to be worn until full mobility is recovered.
Please ensure you have a relative or friend to collect you from hospital and stay with you for 24-hours following the procedure.
At home
You can bathe or shower as usual, taking care to dry the tummy button area thoroughly with a soft clean towel.
You may experience some discomfort under your ribs or across your shoulders. This is nothing to worry about and happens because of the gas used during the procedure. Paracetamol and peppermints will ease this if necessary.
You may notice that your tummy is a little distended. This too is due to the gas and will settle in a couple of days.
Some vaginal blood loss is normal and should only last for two to three days. Please contact your GP if bleeding is severe.
Avoid wearing tight clothing, as this may be uncomfortable.
Refrain from work for a few days or longer if uncomfortable. If a sick certificate is required, please obtain this from your GP.
Do not drive for 24 hours after anaesthetic.
You may resume intercourse when you feel comfortable again.
