The human body is pretty fragile. You can suffer an injury or illness in countless ways. Most doctors prefer noninvasive procedures to treat a medical condition. Unfortunately, that is not always possible. Surgery is often inevitable to repair, restore, or replace when other treatments fail.
Fortunately, medical and technological innovations are making surgical procedures safer than ever. That said, most surgeries still require a significant recovery period, depending on the nature of the process. You may find yourself in pain after your procedure, needing rest, or otherwise negatively affected.
Keyhole Surgery
Keyhole surgery, also known as laparoscopic surgery, is minimally invasive. It allows surgeons to perform treatment without making large incisions in the skin using a laparoscope. This instrument has a light source and a tiny camera. It captures and relays images of the inside of the abdomen or pelvis to a monitor.
Benefits of Keyhole Surgery
Reduced scarring
Less post-op bleeding and pain
Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times
When Laparoscopy Is Useful
Keyhole surgery can help in the diagnosis of various abdominal or pelvic conditions. Doctors use it to perform a wide range of surgical procedures. These include surgeries for the following:
Colon conditions
Some tumors
Obesity
Crohn’s disease
Achalasia
Hernia
Ulcerative colitis
GERD
Restorative proctocolectomy
Groin pain
Diverticulitis
Gastrointestinal malignancies
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Gallstones
What to Expect
After the procedure, you may feel disoriented and dizzy due to the effects of the anesthetic. Some people experience nausea or vomiting, but these side effects should pass quickly. A nurse will monitor you for several hours until you are fully alert and can drink, eat, and pass urine.
Your surgeon will tell you how to keep your wounds clean and schedule a follow-up appointment before you leave the hospital. You will likely experience some pain and discomfort for several days after your procedure at the incision site. You may also experience a sore throat if the surgeon inserts a breathing tube during your treatment. However, pain medication will help ease the pain.
You may experience cramps, bloating, or shoulder pain due to the gas used to inflate your abdomen. Fortunately, these symptoms should pass once your body absorbs any residual gas after one or two days.
You will probably feel exhausted in the days or weeks following your procedure. That is because your body is using more energy to heal itself. Regular naps may help you feel less tired.
Recovery Time
The time it takes to recover from keyhole surgery is different for everybody. It will depend on factors such as your general health, the reason for the procedure, and whether any complications developed.
If your surgery aims to diagnose a condition, your recovery period will be shorter. If it involves minor surgery, you can probably resume your normal activities within three weeks. However, recovery may be as long as three months following major surgery, such as removing your kidney or ovaries.
In Conclusion
Follow-up care is a critical part of your treatment and recovery. Ensure you follow your doctor’s instructions, do not miss any appointments, and call your doctor if you experience problems or complications. As with any other form of surgery, laparoscopic surgery carries the risk of complications. However, you can expect a faster recovery thanks to the smaller incisions.
For more on keyhole surgery, visit the Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York at our office in New York, New York. Call (212) 879-6677 to book an appointment today.
