A laparoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a surgeon the direct visualization of the peritoneal cavity as well as the ovaries, outside of the fallopian tubes and the uterus, with the help of a medical instrument known as a laparoscope. The laparoscope is a thin, tubular instrument that has a camera as well as a light source on one end and sends a live feed of the images captured on the camera to a monitor set in front of the surgeon. This instrument is introduced into the patient's body by way of a small incision measuring about 1.5 centimeters. A laparoscopy is used in a number of medical conditions either as a diagnostic tool, a surgical tool or even both.
Because of the fact that a laparoscopy requires the use of sedation, the patient will need to be checked into a hospital to have the procedure carried out. However, for some diagnostic purposes, some doctors are known to conduct these procedures in their clinics, but this would only mean that the patient be then moved to a hospital to have the complication corrected in the event that something is detected. Depending on the seriousness of the complication, the procedure could take anywhere from between 20 minutes to a couple of hours, with very complicated surgical procedures usually taking a maximum of 4 hours. Although the hospital is likely to release you in a couple of hours after the procedure has been completed, proper recovery after laparoscopy will require you to rest your body for at least a couple of days. Adequate rest during recovery after laparoscopy is essential to maximize the success of the procedure. Another aspect of proper recovery after laparoscopy is how you prepare for the procedure. Make it a point to avoid consuming any foods after midnight the night prior to surgery. It helps to have someone look after you for the 48 hour period after the surgery. The first nights are known to be a little restless, while some pain may be present, do not stress yourself too much about these factors as they are rather common side effects.
The recovery time after laparoscopy is about a couple of days before you get back to full fitness and are able to carry out your chores as usual. No two laparoscopic procedures are the same, however, and recovery after laparoscopy for endometriosis will differ from the recovery time after laparoscopy from some other medical complication.