Laparoscopy: Going Home After

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Laparoscopy is a type of surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to access the inside of the abdomen (tummy) and pelvis without having to make large incisions in the skin. This procedure is also known as keyhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery.

Q. How long will it take for my child to recover fully?
A. Most children recover very well following surgery although complications can occur (as with any surgery) e.g. wound infection, bleeding etc. It can take longer to recover from a laparoscopy if:
• Your child had health problems before their surgery i.e. asthma, diabetes
• Adults in the household smoke around your child
• If your child is overweight at the time of surgery, as it can take longer to recover from the anaesthesia and it may increase the risk of complications i.e. infections
• If there were any complications during your child’s surgery

Q. When should I seek medical advice for my child after their laparoscopy?
A If your child also has a temperature, their stomach looks bloated or feels bloated to them, if they are refusing to eat and drink or are being sick or have worsening abdominal pain – this may be
due to a complication and your child must therefore return to hospital immediately.

Q. What if the painkillers do not seem to be working and my child’s pain seems to be getting worse?
A. It is important to give your child painkillers after their discharge as advised by the doctor. However, if these are not controlling the pain and/or they are experiencing the side effects mentioned above – you must seek medical advice immediately and you may be asked to rerun to hospital immediately.

Q. What is shoulder tip pain?
A. After a laparoscopy procedure it is normal to experience a small amount of pain at the shoulder tip, however if this is accompanied by any of the side effects mentioned above – you must seek
medical advice.

Q. My child has burning or stinging when they pass urine and or they have increased frequency of passing urine.
A. This may be due to a urine infection; treatment is usually with antibiotics and can be obtained from you local GP practice. It is a good idea to try and get a sample for the nurse to check this for
you.

Q. My child has red and painful skin around their scar – what should I do?
A. This may be caused by a wound infection – especially if you see any pus around the wound and/or if your child develops a temperature; treatment is usually with a course of antibiotics. Again
your GP is able to prescribe these for you. It is however normal for your child to have a small amount of bruising around the wound which will settle in a week or two. You should expect a gradual
improvement in your child’s symptoms over time – if this is not the case you should seek medical advice.

Q. Who should I contact if I am worried about my child’s symptoms?
A. In the first 24 hours after discharge you should seek advice/help from:
• Hospital – ward 5/PAU
• The Paediatric Community Nurses
• Your GP
• The Urgent Care Centre

All telephone numbers on back of leaflet.

Q. When can my child get back to normal daily activities?
A. Whilst it is important for your child to get enough rest, they should start some of their normal activities as soon as they feel able – unless a Doctor has given you specific instructions that they are not to. The nurse caring for your child will advise you if their wound has been closed by skin glue or dissolvable stitches. After bathing (48 hours after the laparoscope) the wound area should be patted dry and no creams or powder applied.

Most children will feel able to resume school and other normal activities by the second week; any special instructions will be given on discharge. Your child may need to avoid some sports initially for a short period of time depending on their surgery, please ask when you are discharged if this applies to them.

References can be supplied for this information contained within this information if required from the Specialty Department/Author.

Ward 5 01908 996377
Paediatric Community Nurses 01908 996518
Ward 4 01908 996367/368
The Urgent Care Centre 01908-303030