Dos and Don'ts After Laparoscopy Surgery 

Dr.Arun Bhardwaj, 3 mins read

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive advanced surgery, leading to faster recovery and a quick return to normalcy. Still, you need to take some precautions, such as prioritising rest and a little walk, and avoiding strenuous activities and certain foods.

It’s a must to follow your doctor’s advice like a ritual. Take care of the incision site, take your medicines on time, and follow up with your surgeon periodically. Also, be vigilant of an abnormal sign or symptom. In case you experience any problem, contact your doctor immediately. 

To make recovery a comfortable and uneventful experience, we have curated a list of dos and don’ts for you:

Dos

• Get Rest

The first few days are very essential. As your body is healing, you will need more rest to allow your body to self-heal. Get to your bed on time and sleep for 7 to 8 hours at night, and take small naps during the day.       

• Stay Active

Along with proper rest, it is important to be active and do some light activity. You can do a little walking and some little household chores for the first few days of surgery. 

• Take Your Medicines

Take your prescribed medicines on time. If you are going somewhere, always carry your medicines with you and stop them only after the doctor’s advice. If you are suggested for any other medications for any other problem, always discuss your surgery and other medicines you are taking with the doctor. 

• Eat Healthy

Eating a healthy and balanced diet is crucial for overall health. This becomes more important after laparoscopic surgery. Include fibre-rich, nutritious foods in your diet and stay hydrated. You can consult a dietician for a personalised diet chart plan.  

• Follow Wound Care 

Keep the wound dry and clean. Always wash your hands properly before changing your dressing, and follow your doctor’s advice properly. 

• Attend Follow-up Appointments

Proper follow-up with your doctor is a must. It helps your doctor monitor your health status, recovery, and address any potential threats at the earliest. 

Don’ts

• Strenuous Activity and Heavy Lifting 

Refrain from doing any strenuous activity and heavy lifting that can put strain on your incision site for a few weeks or as advised by your surgeon. Also, as your body is healing, doing strenuous activity can drain your energy, which can affect recovery. 

• Smoking, Tobacco Products, and Alcohol

Nicotine in cigarettes and tobacco products often hinders the healing process and increases the risk of complications. Alcohol, on the other hand, irritates the stomach and interferes with healing. So, avoid these substances a few weeks before and after laparoscopy surgery. 

• Ignoring Abnormal Symptoms

As discussed earlier, ignoring or taking any symptom lightly can be a mistake. If you are having pain, infection at the wound site, or any abnormal symptoms, immediately contact your doctor. 

• Starting Routine Work Soon

The initial few days are crucial from a recovery point of view. So, until you recover completely and your doctor advises you to rejoin your normal routine, like going to work, driving, playing sports, and doing daily chores, abstain from such activities.  

• Ignoring Mental Health 

As you have recently undergone a laparoscopy procedure, it’s common to have some stress related to recovery. Don’t worry! Stay motivated. You will soon recover completely. Taking stress only harms. So, take care of your mental health. If necessary, talk to a mental health professional.   

• Rushing Your Recovery

Taking unnecessary steps or approaches to speed up the recovery is not a good idea. Your body heals at its own pace. So, be patient and talk to your doctor about how long the recovery usually takes after laparoscopic surgery.