Laparoscopy Women's Health Unit Patient Information Leaflet February 2017
WHAT IS A LAPAROSCOPY? Laparoscopy is direct visual examination of the inside of the abdomen, using a viewing device called a laparoscope. The laparoscope has fibre-optic illumination and viewing channels. It can help to diagnose conditions that are difficult to identify with certainty in any other way short of an abdominal operation. A small needle is inserted into your abdomen through which carbon dioxide (gas) is passed. This is done to protect delicate organs from damage. A small incision (cut) is made just below the belly button into which the laparoscope is inserted. One or two further tiny incisions can be made near to the pubic hairline. These incisions are made to accommodate instruments needed for different types of surgery. A laparoscopy is carried out under general anaesthetic. It is very important that there is no possibility of you being pregnant at the time of your operation. If your doctor/surgeon thinks there is a chance that you could be pregnant, your operation may be cancelled. You should use contraception for one month before your operation, (up to and including the day of operation). Anyone who uses the coil as contraception should also use condoms, as there is a small risk of ectopic pregnancy, (pregnancy outside the womb). WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A LAPAROSCOPY? Laparoscopy is a minor operation, which requires a short hospital stay but offers major benefits and a quick recovery. It enables surgeons to avoid a more major operation. It will help your doctor to diagnose your condition and ensure you are given the right treatment. Why do I need a Laparoscopy? Laparoscopy may be used to: Have a look at tubes and ovaries if you are having trouble getting pregnant. (For this a dye may be passed through the tubes to see if they are blocked) See if there are any signs of infection in the tubes and ovaries. Diagnose an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy in the fallopian tube). Look at and sometimes treat cysts on the ovaries. Diagnose the cause of pelvic pain. ARE THERE ANY RISKS INVOLVED? Please be sure to ask any questions you may have during your pre-operative assessment or when you see your consultant BEFORE your operation. It is important you know about, and accept, any possible risks BEFORE you sign your consent form. The risks associated with having a laparoscopy include accidental damage to the bowel or blood vessels within the abdomen or pelvis. This would require immediate further surgery to correct the damage. Page 2 of 6
Minor complications include bleeding or bruising around the skin cuts. There is a small risk of chest, wound or urinary infections, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. HOW LONG WILL I BE IN HOSPITAL FOR? A laparoscopy is performed as a day case and you should be able to go home no sooner than 4 hours after the procedure. Occasionally an overnight stay is required. WHAT HAPPENS TO ME WHEN I ARRIVE AT THE DAY SURGERY UNIT? A nurse will take you to your bed, check your personal details and take your pulse, temperature and blood pressure. Please tell the nurse if you take any medication or if you have any known allergies. Please ensure you also inform the nurse if you have any other medical conditions. You will be asked to sign a consent form. You will need to starve for your operation. Details of this will be in your admission letter and will have been discussed with you during your preoperative assessment. You will be given a hospital gown to wear. If you are extremely anxious, the doctor can prescribe a pre-medication to help you relax. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE PROCEDURE? After the operation you will be taken back to the ward area in the Day Surgery Unit. You will feel sleepy after a general anaesthetic. Your blood pressure and pulse etc. will continue to be checked. You will be given pain relief if required. A nurse will check your wound dressing. When you feel ready to eat and drink, refreshments will be offered. Once you are recovered the doctor will discuss your operation with you and if necessary discuss further treatment. DISCHARGE ARRANGEMENTS You should ask someone to accompany you home from the hospital. A responsible adult should stay with you for at least 24 hours following surgery. It is important you rest for 24-48 hours. Your stitches will eventually dissolve. This can take 4-6 weeks. Sometimes paper stitches may be used. These can be soaked off in the bath after 48 hours. It is possible you may have some wind type pains for a day or two. This can be in the shoulders and/or underneath the ribs and can be relieved by moving around and Take simple pain killers if needed. You may bath or shower as normal. Page 3 of 6
You will be told if you need to come back to clinic. If you do, an appointment will be sent to you, in due course, through the post. We recommend you use sanitary towels and not tampons until your next period. This will help reduce the risk of infection. You should not operate machinery or drink alcohol for 24 hours. DAY TO DAY LIVING We recommend that you do not drive for at least one week. It is advisable to contact your insurance company to clarify that you are covered during recovery from surgery. Depending on the type of work you do and how you feel, you may need to take 1-2 weeks off work. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM If you have any problems concerning your operation, please contact the Women s Health Unit on 0161 922 6544 for advice. Signs to look out for: Abdominal pain - that is not relieved by the painkillers you were given on discharge. Reluctance to eat, drink or mobilize Nausea or vomiting Abdominal swelling Bleeding from wound, vagina or back passage Redness over wound Fast pulse rate Raised temperature Not passing enough urine Generally feeling unwell. Please do not hesitate to ring the number above for advice. If you are worried about your condition, and feel you require urgent assistance please attend the A&E department. OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS FOR INFORMATION NHS Direct 0845 4647 Patient information centre 0161 922 5332. Page 4 of 6
TAMESIDEE & GLOSSOP NHS INTEGRATED CARE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST SOURCE OF GOOD PRACTICE In compiling this information leaflet,, a number of recognized professional bodies including NHS Direct and accredited good practice guidelines have been used. Should you have a visual audiotape. impairment, this leaflet is available in bigger print or on If you would like any further information about your condition or planned procedure, then please contact the Patient Information Centre on 0161 922 5332. If you have any questions you want to ask, you can use this spacee below to remind you If you have a visual impairment this eaflet can be made available in bigger print or on audiotape. If you require either of thesee options pleasee contact the Patient Information Centre on 0161 331 5332 Page 5 of 6
Document control information Author: Lynn Gardner Division/Department: Women & Children s Date Created: July 2012 Date Reviewed February 2017 Reference Number: GYNAE025 Version: 2.0 Page 6 of 6