Laparoscopy

Preparing For A Laparoscopy

Individuals scheduled for laparoscopy usually visit the doctor’s office before the operation to discuss the procedure in detail. During the visit, the doctor should fully explain the procedure, what will be done and why, the risks, and how you will benefit from the procedure. The doctor also should answer questions about the procedure.

Tests may be ordered, which include blood and urine tests, an electrocardiogram , and possibly an ultrasound scan or x-ray.

For further information about ultrasound, go to Ultrasound.

Need To Know:

The doctor needs to know what medications you are currently taking, because some medications can increase the risk of complications from surgery. It is very important to mention every medicine, including both prescription and non-prescription drugs.

Individuals taking:

  • aspirin or other drugs like ibuprofen usually are told to stop taking the drug at least one week before surgery. These drugs slow the blood’s ability to clot, and may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery.
  • birth control pills may be instructed to stop taking them a few weeks before surgery because they may increase the risk of blood clots.
  • prescription blood-thinning drugs may have to stop this medication, which also can cause excessive bleeding

On The Day Of The Operation

Most laparoscopy is done on an outpatient basis, but this does depend on the procedure and how well the patient is.

After the surgery, the patient can usually return home the same day. Procedures may be done in a regular hospital or in an outpatient surgery center.

Need To Know:

People undergoing laparoscopy should not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before the procedure. If medications are usually taken in the morning, check with the doctor on whether to take them with a sip of water, take without water, or skip the dose.

  • Patients usually are told to arrive at the surgery facility one or two hours before the operation.
  • An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist may ask questions about the patient’s health, discuss the procedure and explain what to expect from the anesthesia.
  • Before the surgery, an intravenous line, which consists of a small flexible plastic tube, may be inserted into a vein in the patient’s arm or hand. It is used to give medications and fluids during the operation. Sometimes intravenous medication is administered before surgery to help the patient relax.

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