Common side effects of laparoscopy can vary, but they generally fall into two categories: immediate post-operative symptoms and potential complications. Here’s a breakdown:
Immediate Post-Operative Symptoms
After a laparoscopy, you might experience:
- Soreness: Mild pain around the incision sites is common and usually improves within a few days.
- Shoulder Pain: This can occur due to gas used to inflate the abdomen during the procedure, which may irritate the diaphragm.
- Abdominal Bloating: The gas can also cause a feeling of fullness or bloating in the abdomen.
- Nausea: Some patients may feel nauseous after waking up from anesthesia.
- Cramps and Constipation: Abdominal cramps are normal, and some people may experience constipation following the surgery.
- Light Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge: This is especially common if the procedure involved the reproductive organs.
Potential Complications
While serious complications are rare, they can occur and may include:
- Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision sites or internally.
- Bleeding: Some patients may experience bleeding into the abdominal cavity.
- Organ Damage: There is a small risk of injury to surrounding organs, such as the bladder or intestines, during the procedure.
- Blood Clots: Patients can develop blood clots in their legs or lungs, particularly if they do not move around soon after surgery.
- Adhesions: Scar tissue can form inside the abdomen after surgery, which may lead to future complications.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following after your laparoscopy:
- Heavy bleeding or unusual discharge.
- Increasing pain that doesn’t improve with medication.
- Fever or chills.
- Difficulty urinating.