Common questions about gynaecological keyhole surgery. If yours is not answered here, get in touch.
Before surgery
How do I prepare for a laparoscopy?
You will normally be asked not to eat for about six hours beforehand, and to stop clear fluids two hours before. Bring a list of every medicine you take, including anything bought over the counter. Arrange for someone to take you home — you cannot drive after a general anaesthetic.
Do I need to stop my regular medicines?
Some, yes. Blood thinners, certain diabetes medicines and some hormonal treatments may need adjusting, sometimes days in advance. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own — ask at your pre-operative appointment.
What if I might be pregnant?
Say so before the day of surgery. A pregnancy test is routine before gynaecological procedures, and being pregnant changes the plan.
The operation
Is laparoscopy painful?
There is soreness at the small incisions and often a bloated feeling for a day or two, plus an ache at the shoulder tip caused by residual gas. Most people manage on simple painkillers after the first two or three days.
How long will I be in hospital?
Diagnostic laparoscopy and most hysteroscopies are day cases. Larger operations such as myomectomy or laparoscopic hysterectomy usually involve one or two nights.
Will I have visible scars?
The incisions are typically 5 to 10 mm and usually fade to fine marks. The one at the navel is largely hidden inside it.
What if keyhole surgery isn't possible?
Occasionally the surgeon must convert to an open operation through a larger incision — because of dense adhesions, bleeding, or anatomy that cannot be reached safely. This is a safety decision rather than a complication in itself, and it is covered by your consent.
Afterwards
When can I go back to work?
After a diagnostic procedure, often within a week. After major laparoscopic surgery, two to six weeks, depending largely on how physical your job is.
When can I drive?
Once you can perform an emergency stop comfortably and are no longer taking sedating painkillers. Check your insurer's wording too — some policies specify a minimum period.
When can I exercise, swim or have sex?
Walking straight away. Low-impact exercise once the wounds are comfortable, usually about two weeks. Avoid swimming and baths until the wounds have fully healed. Advice on intercourse depends on the operation — ask your surgeon rather than guessing.
Can I still have children afterwards?
It depends entirely on the operation. Diagnostic laparoscopy, ovarian cystectomy, myomectomy and most hysteroscopic procedures preserve fertility. Hysterectomy does not. Raise your plans before surgery so they form part of the operative plan.
- Fever or chills
- Abdominal pain that is increasing rather than settling
- Redness, swelling or discharge from a wound
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or offensive discharge
- Persistent vomiting or inability to pass urine
- Calf pain and swelling, chest pain or breathlessness
About this site
Can you tell me whether I need surgery?
No. We cannot give individual clinical advice, and no one should advise you on an operation without examining you and reviewing your imaging. Use this site to prepare good questions for the surgeon who is treating you.
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