Bloating After Laparoscopic Surgery - What You Should Know
Laparoscopic surgery refers to any type of abdominal surgery whereby surgical operations are performed through one or more small (0.
5 cm to 1.
5 cm) incisions in the abdomen.
This type of surgery is also called minimally-invasive, band-aid, or keyhole surgery.
It is a form of endoscopy.
The advantages of laparoscopic surgery over open surgery (which involves much larger incisions) are many, including reduced pain, less hemorrhaging, and faster recovery times.
Laparoscopic techniques are used for many types of surgery, and complications after laparoscopic surgery vary by the type of surgery performed.
However, one common complication is that of bloating.
Symptoms of bloating can include a distended stomach and mild or severe pain.
You may feel a slight internal pulling sensation.
And, in some cases, the pain can reach up into your shoulders or back.
The bloating could be the result of a few different factors.
For example, for some types of surgery, the surgeon may have intentionally injected gas into the region in order to create more work space.
In other instances, the intestines may have been slightly disturbed during surgery, causing them to create excess gas.
If you have are experiencing bloating after laparoscopic surgery, here is what you should know: 1.
If you are able to pass urine and stool, you likely have nothing to worry about: If you are able to pass urine and produce bowel movements after surgery, there is likely nothing seriously wrong - despite the bloating feeling you are having.
It should go away on its own.
2.
Try moving about frequently: It is a good idea to walk around and keep your body in motion frequently after surgery.
This physical movement will get things moving internally again, as well.
3.
Call your doctor if the bloating has not gone away within 1-2 weeks or if you experience severe pain: If the bloating has not subsided after 1-2 weeks - or if the pain you are experiencing is severe - call your doctor about suggested next steps.
Bloating after laparoscopic surgery is not uncommon and it will likely go away on its own.
Just be prudent and keep your doctor informed if things do not get better on their own.
5 cm to 1.
5 cm) incisions in the abdomen.
This type of surgery is also called minimally-invasive, band-aid, or keyhole surgery.
It is a form of endoscopy.
The advantages of laparoscopic surgery over open surgery (which involves much larger incisions) are many, including reduced pain, less hemorrhaging, and faster recovery times.
Laparoscopic techniques are used for many types of surgery, and complications after laparoscopic surgery vary by the type of surgery performed.
However, one common complication is that of bloating.
Symptoms of bloating can include a distended stomach and mild or severe pain.
You may feel a slight internal pulling sensation.
And, in some cases, the pain can reach up into your shoulders or back.
The bloating could be the result of a few different factors.
For example, for some types of surgery, the surgeon may have intentionally injected gas into the region in order to create more work space.
In other instances, the intestines may have been slightly disturbed during surgery, causing them to create excess gas.
If you have are experiencing bloating after laparoscopic surgery, here is what you should know: 1.
If you are able to pass urine and stool, you likely have nothing to worry about: If you are able to pass urine and produce bowel movements after surgery, there is likely nothing seriously wrong - despite the bloating feeling you are having.
It should go away on its own.
2.
Try moving about frequently: It is a good idea to walk around and keep your body in motion frequently after surgery.
This physical movement will get things moving internally again, as well.
3.
Call your doctor if the bloating has not gone away within 1-2 weeks or if you experience severe pain: If the bloating has not subsided after 1-2 weeks - or if the pain you are experiencing is severe - call your doctor about suggested next steps.
Bloating after laparoscopic surgery is not uncommon and it will likely go away on its own.
Just be prudent and keep your doctor informed if things do not get better on their own.
Source...