Laparoscopy

Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions


Before Surgery

  1. Review the Herbal Medication Precautions Sheet.

  2. Two days prior to surgery: Begin taking simethicone tablets or liquid. This can be obtained over-the-counter from any pharmacy. There are many brand names such as Di-Gel or Gas-X. Take the recommended dosage 3 times per day for two days.

  3. One day prior to surgery:
    1. Do not have any solid foods--LIQUIDS ONLY!! Ice cream and other creamy liquids are OK.
    2. Take Milk of Magnesia or other similar laxative, 2 tablespoons in the morning and again in the evening.
    3. Clean your navel in the shower gently with soap and water using a cotton swab. Do not be too rough with this cleaning, but do a thorough job.
    4. If necessary, you may take a sleeping aid prior to midnight.
    5. Do not take anything by mouth--not even water--after midnight. The only exception for this is medicines that you must take for health reasons, which you may take with a sip of water.
  4. Do not take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, naprosyn) for (preferably) 10-14 days prior to surgery. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) if fine to take.

  5. Notify us at the time of your preoperative appointment if you have had significant nausea or vomiting after any previous surgical procedures.

After Surgery

  1. You will be catheterized during the surgery. This will increase your chances of developing a urinary tract infection. Therefore, you should drink LARGE amounts of fluid for at least 3 days. Water or an acidic juice (orange, cranberry, or apple) are best.

  2. Take Tylenol 1000 mg (2 Extra Strength tabs) PLUS ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours for 48-72 hours as needed for postoperative pain. You will be given a prescription for oxycodone (or other similar product if you are allergic) in case you need more potent analgesia postoperatively. You only need to fill this prescription if the Tylenol and ibuprofen are insufficiently relieving your pain. You may take the oxycodone in addition to the Tylenol and ibuprofen.

  3. Patients commonly are nauseous after anesthesia. This is usually self-limiting and will resolve within 1-2 days.

  4. Take your temperature in the afternoon for about 3 days. If it is over 100.4 degrees, notify our office at (518) 434-9759.

  5. If you have any foul-smelling or yellow drainage, or any significant redness or hot skin around any of your incisions, please notify us promptly so that you can be evaluated in the office (or emergency room as necessary).

  6. A small to moderate amount of bruising of the skin is normal.

  7. The adhesive tapes covering your wounds may be removed as they begin to get loosened 4 to 5 days after the operation.

  8. If you have a dry dressing covered with surgical tape over one of your incisions, you may remove the tape and dressing within 24 hours and you may take a bath or shower at that time.

  9. You may experience some vaginal bleeding for 4 to 5 days.

  10. Do not have intercourse or place anything in the vagina until vaginal bleeding stops. Take it easy for the first 24 hours. You may drive the day after the surgery and you may resume normal activity, including lifting, as tolerated. Your surgery will be discussed with you in detail at your post-operative visit, which should be scheduled 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.