Patient information factsheet
www.uhs.nhs.uk
Recovering well after gynaecological
laparoscopic surgery
We have given you this factsheet because you have had gynaecological laparoscopic
surgery. It explains what to expect after your surgery and how you can help your body
to recover well. We hope it will help to answer some of the questions you may have. If
you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to a member of our team.
Common symptoms after gynaecological laparoscopic surgery
Bleeding
You might bleed from your vagina for seven to ten days after having a laparoscopic procedure.
Do not use tampons or menstrual cups during this time, only sanitary towels. Tampons may
increase your risk of developing an infection.
Please contact us if you experience heavy bleeding (soaking a pad every one to two hours) or
if you pass any clots larger than the size of a 10p coin. You can use the contact details at the
end of this factsheet.
It is normal to have vaginal discharge for up to two weeks after the procedure. Please contact
your GP if this discharge becomes oensive smelling, as this might be a sign of an infection.
Pain
Due to the gas put into the abdomen (tummy), wind pain is a common problem experienced
by women after having a laparoscopic procedure. You can help relieve this wind pain using a
heat pack, drinking peppermint tea and keeping moving.
It is also normal to experience some mild abdominal, leg or shoulder-tip pain after your
surgery. Please use over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen-based
products. Always read the label or instructions before taking them.
You can take your next dose of pain relief at ________________ (time).
www.uhs.nhs.uk
Patient information factsheet
Recovering from your surgery
Stitches and dressings
Your wounds will be closed with either dissolvable stitches or stitches that need to be
removed. Before you leave hospital, your nurse will give you information on which type of
stitches you have and advice on where to have the stitches removed if needed.
You will have one to four scars on dierent parts of your abdomen. Each of these will be covered
with a dressing. For the rst 24 hours after your surgery, please keep your dressings dry.
After 24 hours, you can have a shower. You should avoid having a bath if possible for the rst
two weeks after your surgery, as this can soften the stitches before your wound is fully healed.
The rst time you have a shower, it’s a good idea to have someone at home with you, in case
you feel dizzy or faint. Do not lock the bathroom door.
You can remove the dressings while you are in the bath or shower. Do not worry about getting
the scars wet, but make sure you pat them dry with disposable tissues. Do not have the bath
or shower too hot, as this can cause your wound to bleed. It is best to use tepid water.
Please contact your GP if your scars become hot to the touch, red, swollen or oensive
smelling. These can be signs of an infection.
Eating and drinking
You can eat and drink as normal after your surgery.
Sex
You should not have sex for four weeks after your surgery. This is because you are at a higher
risk of infection and need to give your body a chance to heal.
When to seek medical advice
Most women recover well after gynaecological laparoscopic surgery. However, as with
any operation, there can be complications.
Contact Bramshaw Women’s Unit on 023 8120 6035 (up to two weeks after your
surgery) or contact your GP or NHS 111 if you experience:
• increasing abdominal (tummy) pain
• a temperature (fever)
• a loss of appetite and vomiting (being sick)
• any diculty passing urine, a burning or stinging sensation when passing urine or
passing urine more often than usual
• a painful, red, swollen, hot leg or diculty bearing weight on your legs (this may be
caused by a deep vein thrombosis (DVT))
• an oensive smelling discharge from the operation site
Before you leave hospital, your nurse will give you a pink card which explains that you
have had gynaecological laparoscopic surgery. You must carry this card with you on
your person (in your wallet or purse) at all times for two weeks after your surgery. If you
become unwell after the procedure, show this card to the healthcare professionals caring
for you.
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Patient information factsheet
Advice after an anaesthetic and/or sedation
For the rst 48 hours after your surgery, you may feel more sleepy than usual and your
judgement may be impaired. During this time, you must not:
• drive (your insurance company will have its own conditions for when you are insured to
start driving again, so it is important you check your policy)
• drink alcohol
• work
• exercise
• handle machinery (including an oven or hob)
• sign any legal documents
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Bramshaw Women’s Unit
Telephone: 023 8120 6035
Useful links
www.rcog.org.uk
Version 2. Published December 2021. Due for review December 2024. 2082
For a translation of this document, or a version in another format such
as easy read, large print, Braille or audio, please telephone
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the hospital, please visit www.uhs.nhs.uk/additionalsupport
