How long after laparoscopic surgery can I shower?

You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Pat the cut (incision) dry. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.


How long does it take for laparoscopic incisions to heal?

2–6 weeks. Be sure to keep your stitches covered for the first 48 hours after your surgery. You may shower after that. Gently pat the stitches dry with a soft towel, and cover them with a small adhesive bandage.

Do and don'ts after laparoscopy?

How do I recover at home from a laparoscopy?
  • Don't drink alcohol or drive for at least 24 hours after surgery.
  • You can bathe any time after surgery.
  • You can remove the bandage the morning after the surgery. ...
  • You can typically return to work three days after surgery. ...
  • Do not be concerned if your urine is green.


How long will my stomach be swollen after laparoscopy?

Post-operative bloating and swelling usually peaks 48 hours after surgery, but will mostly subside by the 12-week mark.

Can I shower the day after laparoscopy?

After 48 hours, surgical wounds can get wet without increasing the risk of infection. After this time, you can get your stitches wet briefly with a light spray (such as in the shower), but they should not be soaked (for example, in the bath). Make sure you pat the area dry afterwards.


Shower After Surgery? When Is It Safe?



How long should you bed rest after laparoscopy?

It depends on factors such as the reason the procedure was carried out (whether it was used to diagnose or treat a condition), your general health and if any complications develop. If you've had laparoscopy to diagnose a condition, you'll probably be able to resume your normal activities within 5 days.

What happens if you shower too soon after surgery?

Avoiding post‐operative bathing or showering for two to three days may result in accumulation of sweat and dirt on the body. Conversely, early washing of the surgical wound may have an adverse effect on healing, for example by irritating or macerating the wound, and disturbing the healing environment.

When can I sleep on my side after laparoscopy?

After 48 hours you may sleep flat on your back, you may not sleep on your stomach or sides for four weeks. Fluids: Fluids are critical following surgery.


Why is my belly so big after laparoscopy?

This is due to the small amount of gas that is pumped into the abdomen to make it easier to see. These side effects generally settle within a few days , but bloating can take several weeks to resolve in some people.

How do you deflate your stomach after a laparoscopy?

Some ways you can help ease bloating, swelling and stomach discomfort are:
  1. Continuing to wear your surgical garments is a must. ...
  2. Increase your fluid intake to flush any excess fluid from your body.
  3. Ensure your post-surgical diet is rich in fibre to aid bowel movements.


Can I do housework after laparoscopy?

Do not perform any strenuous housework until four weeks after the operation; it may hamper internal healing. Performing light exercises like walking will facilitate recovery and speed-up healing process.


Can I bend after laparoscopy?

Summary: Basic precautions should be taken after Laparoscopic Surgery. Two days of bed rest is a must. After that, movements should be started in a slow and gradual way. However, bending should be avoided for at least one-week post-surgery.

How often should you walk after laparoscopic surgery?

Exercise. The day after your operation you should be able to go for a short 10 to 15 minute walk in the morning and the afternoon, having a rest afterwards if you need to. You should be able to increase your activity levels quite rapidly over the first week.

What not to do after laparoscopic surgery?

How can you care for yourself at home?
  • Rest when you feel tired. ...
  • Try to walk each day. ...
  • Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay.
  • Avoid lifting anything that would make you strain. ...
  • You may also have some shoulder or back pain.


How do I know if my laparoscopic incision is healing?

The edges will pull together, and you might see some thickening there. It's also normal to spot some new red bumps inside your shrinking wound. You might feel sharp, shooting pains in your wound area. This may be a sign that you're getting sensations back in your nerves.

Should I clean my belly button after laparoscopy?

The possible complications of a Laparoscopy are: Infection: May occur in the wounds, bladder or internally. The common site for infection is the belly button. It is important to keep your wounds clean and dry.

How do you fart after surgery?

Walking encourages the peristaltic movement of the bowels, relieving gas and constipation. A heat pack may also provide relief. If you are allowed to drink, hot peppermint tea is a great remedy to help gastrointestinal motility and relieve painful gas pains.


Do you gain weight after laparoscopy?

While usually temporary, postsurgery weight gain can occur in people who have excess fluid buildup and swelling. Physical inactivity, stress, and changes in eating habits can also lead to weight gain, depending on the length of your recovery time.

Can laparoscopy cause weight loss?

Laparoscopic gastric banding is surgery to help with weight loss. The surgeon places a band around the upper part of your stomach to create a small pouch to hold food. The band limits the amount of food you can eat by making you feel full after eating small amounts of food.

How long does it take to poop after laparoscopic surgery?

After surgery, your caregivers will frequently ask whether you have passed gas. This is because passing gas is a sign that your bowels are returning to normal. You may not have a bowel movement for four to five days following surgery.


Can I drink 2 weeks after laparoscopy?

General guidance is that you should avoid alcohol for at least 2 weeks after your surgery.

How do you sit up after laparoscopic surgery?

Roll onto your side. Dangle your feet over the edge of your bed. Use your elbows to raise your upper body. Use your legs to pull yourself into a sitting position.

Why do I have to wait 48 hours to shower after surgery?

This is because your wound should not be soaked in water until it's healed. It could cause the skin to soften and reopen the wound. Guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) say you can have a shower 48 hours after surgery.


Can you shower with dissolvable stitches?

It is important for people to follow their doctor's care instructions after having dissolvable stitches. In many cases, a person can shower 24 hours after the wound closure. However, a doctor may advise a person to avoid soaking in a bathtub for a specified period.

How do you cover an incision in the shower?

Use clear plastic wrap, a trash bag, or a cling-type wrap, to completely cover the incision. Use medical tape around the edges to prevent water from seeping inside the covered area. For difficult to reach areas, get a family member or friend to cut plastic bags or plastic wrap to cover the area and tape it in place.