Laparoscopic or robotic excision surgery remains the gold standard for the treatment of endometriosis. It is a minimally invasive technique with a proven record of reduced recurrence rates in expert hands. Apart from being the most effective tool, it is also the safest, with minimum blood loss and after effects on the body. To facilitate a smoother recovery after Laparoscopic or Robotic Excision Surgery, here are some steps everyone should follow.
- Normal postoperative symptoms
Understanding postoperative symptoms put you on a clear path to recovery by letting you know what to look for. As with any surgical procedure, common symptoms after laparoscopy include:
- Light vaginal bleeding or spotting up to 1-2 weeks
- Tenderness or soreness in the abdomen
- Shoulder pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
Additional symptoms include:
- Persistent or intermittent fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bleeding
- Redness/discharge at the incision site
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Incision care
The incisions dissolve on their own within 2-6 weeks. Consult your physician if manual removal of incision is necessary. Incision are covered with waterproof dressings so you can have daily shower with dressings on.
Ensure that the area of incision is free from irritation due to clothing. Keep the area dry.
- Have a designated support person
Your stay at the hospital could be less after the surgery. Some are discharged the same day and some the day after and in few cases where extensive bowel and bladder surgeries are done, they may have to stay for 3-5 days, till they are comfortable with the bowel movements. .
You are expected to tolerate mild to the moderate abdomen to shoulder pain with tiredness. You are expected to take a simple diet without excessive nausea, walk and get your pain under control.
Having a dedicated support person who can facilitate daily activities, help you with chores, bring you to daily appointments and give you emotional support during recovery can be priceless.
- Give yourselves enough time to recovery
Each day there should be an improvement in the post-op symptoms. Eat an anti-inflammatory and balanced diet to aid. And anywhere from 2-6 weeks of rest for recovery.
Do not rush to work or try to get back to your normal top soon. Give yourselves as much time as is needed for recovery, even if it means going beyond the usual 6 weeks.
- Go back to your normal, slowly
Getting back to work, doing household chores, or working out should be increased gradually.
By this time most of the recovery is made and little restrictions are placed on work. Even getting back to work has to be with reduced responsibilities. Please consult your physician before doing any heavy lifting or physically taxing jobs before a full recovery. Book your post-op appointment between 6-12 weeks after the first appointment 1 week post surgery..
- The emotional recovery
From the diagnosis of endometriosis to laparoscopic or robotic excision surgery, it can be quite a journey. A surgery is the first step towards recovery but it has to end with your emotional well-being as well.
Restrictive activities post-op can be irritable. But give no space for negativity, be your own cheerleader and advocate to achieve a full mental health recovery.
Recovery is also a full body process. Do not hesitate to consider complementary therapies, fertility preservation, or other medical management techniques to achieve a complete recovery.