Laparoscopy is a type of endoscopic surgery in which carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas is insufflated into the abdominal cavity to facilitate intra-abdominal examination or surgical treatment. Its advantages include smaller incisions, less blood loss, and faster post-operative recovery; therefore, patients can be discharged earlier.

Preparation Before the Surgery

1. Patients will be asked to sign the consent forms for surgery and anesthesia, and medical staff will introduce the ward environment.
2. Blood and urine samples will be collected for examinations, and chest X-ray and electrocardiogram (ECG) tests will be arranged.
3. Bowel preparation: Because the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, an enema may be required the night before surgery as instructed by the doctor, and fasting (including water) will begin at midnight.
4. Skin preparation: As laparoscopic surgery is performed through the umbilicus, proper umbilical hygiene is especially important. On the night of admission, nursing staff will provide cotton swabs to assist with cleaning, and the area will be checked again on the morning of surgery.
5. An intravenous line will be established to provide fluid supplementation and for anesthesia administration.

Cautions After Surgery

1. After surgery, food intake should be resumed according to the patient’s recovery status and the doctor’s instructions. Generally, patients may start with drinking water. If there is no vomiting or abdominal bloating, a soft diet may be resumed. Foods that may cause bloating, such as eggs, legumes, dairy products, or irritant foods, should be avoided.
2. Two to three days after surgery, soreness in the rib area or shoulders, or a sensation of chest tightness, is a normal occurrence. If the pain becomes intolerable, please inform the nursing staff so that pain medication may be provided as needed.
3. The surgical wounds are small and usually covered with skin adhesive or waterproof dressings. Keep the wound clean and dry.
4. A small amount of vaginal bleeding may occur after surgery and usually resolve within approximately 2–3 weeks.

Self-Care Instructions

1. ​One week after discharge, return to the outpatient clinic for follow-up, and the doctor will examine the surgical wound.
2. Exercise and diet: You may resume your usual daily activities and diet, and no special nutritional supplements are required. Avoid irritant foods and heavy lifting.
3. Within one month after surgery, avoid lifting objects heavier than 5 kilograms to prevent excessive strain on the abdominal muscles.
4. After discharge, return to the hospital immediately if any of the following occurs:

• Fever ≥ 38°C
• Severe lower abdominal pain
• Redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or abnormal discharge (such as foul odor) from the wound.