Possible Problems

Although problems seldom occur with laparosco-py, there can be some complications. You may have some bleeding, reactions to the anesthesia, or injury to other organs. The most common organs in-jured during the procedure are the blood vessels that surround the lower abdomen, the bowel, and the urinary tract. A follow up laparotomy may be needed, which will require that you be admitted to the hospital. There is also a risk of infection after the procedure.

More common problems include:

• Nausea
• Pain around the cuts made in your abdomen
• Scratchy throat if a breathing tube was used during general anesthesia
• Abdominal cramps
• Discharge (like your period) that lasts a few days
• Swollen abdomen
• Tender navel
• Shoulder pain

Call your doctor if you are bleeding from the in-cision, if you have a fever, or if you are unable to urinate.

Recovery
The recovery time from laparoscopy is much shorter than that from regular surgery. It is safe to resume normal activities as soon as you feel up to it, usu-ally within a few days. If you are sexually active, talk with your doctor about when you can have sex again.

Finally...

Laparoscopy can be useful in diagnosing and treating many gynecologic problems. It has taken the place of surgery in some cases and offers the benefits of fewer problems and shorter recovery.