How Long Will Bleeding After Laparoscopy Last?

Laparoscopy involves the insertion of laparoscope or viewing telescope into the pelvis or abdomen. Doctors use the procedure to investigate the causes of medical problems in the region, including pelvic or abdominal pain, infertility, and abnormal growths. But besides its use in diagnosis, the procedure can also be used in treating conditions like hysterectomy, ovarian cysts, endometriosis and fibroids. Bleeding after the procedure is normal. But how long does it go on?

How Long Will Bleeding After Laparoscopy Last?

In most cases, vaginal bleeding continues for several weeks before it stops. You may require medical attention if you have heavy bleeding, foul odor or urinary/rectal bleeding. You should avoid use of tampons at this time.

Most women miss their next menses after the surgery. Additionally, when the cycle returns to normal, there may be excessive bleeding and more discomfort than before. You will need to monitor two to three menstrual cycles before making a conclusion about the success of the laparoscopy treatment.

You Are Not Alone

I had bleeding for around two weeks. It began 3-4 days after the operation. As part of my surgery, the doctor removed my right ovary & fallopian tube along with extra large teratoma. I asked the nurses and they said I should call emergency if I was bleeding enough to fill more than one pad per hour. If that is not the case, you don’t need to worry too much.

I bled for one week after my recent surgery. The doctor had placed a tool inside the uterus to move it around and out of the way. The heat generated during this procedure opens blood vessels causing bleeding, but this is not something to worry about too much. If you are still concerned, you can call the doctor and inquire for your peace of mind. And don’t feel like you are bothering the doctor. Just call if you need help.

Care Instruction After Laparoscopy

Recovery after laparoscopy needs much care. Follow these tips:

1. Incision Care

  • Band-Aids or dressings can be removed two days after the surgery. Some strips of tape underneath the Band-Aids should be left on for one week. Take a regular shower with water running over incisions and pat dry.
  • Avoid soaking in the tub, swimming or scrubbing the incisions for the first two weeks.
  • Don’t apply powders, creams or ointments near the incision.
  • Incisions take 1-2 weeks to heal. The stitches will be absorbed and do not need any kind of removal.
  • Monitor your incisions for signs of infection.

2. Diet

If you experience stomach issues, avoid consuming a complete meal. Start with basic liquids like Jell-o and then add solid foods when your stomach begins to feel better. Fatty foods like fried foods, pizza, potato chips, creams, or butter must be avoided in the beginning till you feel ready to resume your regular diet.

Eat a healthy balanced diet so that your body receives all the essential nutrients. A healthy diet is high in fiber, with lots of fruits, vegetables, cereal, and about 2 liters of fluid daily. Plan your daily diet in a manner that you get at least five portions of fruits and vegetables.

3. Pain and Discomfort

Pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen is normal after the procedure. Bleeding after laparoscopy is also normal. Additionally, shoulder pain may occur as side effect of the operation.

The doctor will prescribe some pain killers when you are leaving hospital to help relieve the pain. If these pain killers contain codeine or dihydrocodeine, you might feel sleepy, slightly sick and constipated. Make sure you increase the consumption of fiber in your diet while consuming these medications to avoid constipation.

4. Routine Activities

Rest is of utmost importance but you need to start routine activities as soon as you can. As the days pass, you will be able to do more and more physical work. However, if pain persists, reduce the activity for a few more days.

Make sure you lift correctly with your feet slightly apart, knees bent and back straight. Strengthen your abdominal and pelvic muscles as you lift, keep the object close to your body and straighten the knees.

5. Exercise

Short 10 to 15 minute walks in the morning and afternoon can be performed right from the next day. The level of activity can then be gradually increased. There is no definite timeline for this and increase in the level of physical activity varies from person to person.

Swimming is also a good option but only once you feel comfortable. In case you have undergone other procedures with or after laparoscopy, avoid contact or power sports for a while.

6. Having Sex

This is an important concern for many patients. You can have sex when you feel you are ready. If both your ovaries have been removed, your vagina may feel dry, in which case you may need to buy a lubricant from the local pharmacy for more comfortable sex.

7. Returning to Work

A lot of women can resume work 1 to 3 weeks after the operation. In case of a diagnostic laparoscopy, it is possible to get back to work within 1 week. If you have undergone ovarian cyst removal or other critical procedures, you may experience bleeding after laparoscopy for a few weeks. 

Consult with your GP about your energy and comfort levels so that you know when you can perform certain jobs. Don’t start performing tasks under the pressure of your family or your employer. Your body should be ready to perform the physical activity before you resume your normal job routine.

When to Call Your Gyn Care Team

Complication after laparoscopy is possible. Call the doctor in the following cases:

  • Unbearable abdominal and pelvic pain, not getting relief by pain killers
  • Severe vomiting and nausea
  • Not being able to consume food or liquid orally
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Abnormal reaction or redness around the incisions
  • Oozing pus from the incision
  • High fever (more than 100.4°F)
  • Increased bleeding or swelling
  • Vaginal bleeding, enough to fill one pad per hour
  • Constipation
  • Breathlessness

Your surgery may be over, but the doctor’s duty is not. So, don’t hesitate to call up your doctor in case you have bleeding after laparoscopy or any other discomfort.

 
 
Current time: 03/29/2024 02:23:56 p.m. UTC Memory usage: 66080.0KB