After any laparoscopic surgery, it is time to tackle the recovery period. The good news is that the recovery time for laparoscopic surgery is less than compared to more invasive surgical methods. The bad thing is that recovery from surgery is not always pleasant. Here is what you need to know before your procedure explains Delhi’s top and most experienced laparoscopic surgeon Dr Amita Jain.
Traditional or general surgery requires large incisions that expose the internal tissues and organs of the body. Laparoscopic surgery uses some small incisions in your abdominal wall to access the inner cavity. A thin, flexible device known as a laparoscope is utilized to light the abdominal cavity and pelvis and transmit video to a screen. Specialized laparoscopic instruments are required to complete whichever procedure is being performed.
This surgery is done by a specially trained laparoscopic surgeon. While this is mostly confused with robotic surgery, it is quite different as it is human-driven.
What is the time for the recovery?
There is no fixed recovery time for laparoscopic procedures as a whole. Even within certain procedures, recovery time could vary because every person heals differently from each other, and at times patients do not follow their aftercare instructions, thus, injuring themselves.
Factors that could influence how long it takes to recover from laparoscopic surgery are:
- If the surgery was exploratory or surgical
- If surgical, what was the procedure done?
- The overall state of health of the patient
- The age of the patient is
- Health conditions that may slow healing
- How properly aftercare is followed
- The assistance the patient has at home
In the majority of the cases, exploratory laparoscopic procedures have a recovery period of 5 to 7 days. When the procedure is part of a larger surgical procedure, it may range from 3 to 12 weeks. Certain factors to include when assessing the recovery period are:
- Whether or not there is a hospital stay: The majority of laparoscopic procedures are outpatient, having the individual go home the same day as the surgery.
- How well the patient has recovered in the past: If the patient has had other surgical procedures during the past, their experience might be a good indication of what to expect in terms of a laparoscopic procedure.
- If there are complications: The majority of the surgeries go as expected, but there is always the risk of certain complications. If this happens, it has the ability to extend the recovery period.
To have the finest possible recovery from your laparoscopic procedure, take it simple, follow your surgeon’s instructions, and reach out for help if you feel something is troubling you. Remember to lean on your support people and be gentle with yourself until you are fully fit.
This write-up has been written by India’s leading laparoscopic surgeon Dr. Amita Jain.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi