How it Works

Laparoscopy is a surgical technique that is trusted by thousands of doctors across the country. The providers at WCJC have mastered the use of this tool to help diagnose and treat various conditions and concerns—with minimal downtime and scarring. Because an incision is involved, Laparoscopy carries some level of risk involved with any surgery: infection, pain at the incision, and scarring. However, WCJC prides itself on delivering professional, safe results to our patients and on informing them of everything they need to know in order to make their own decision about whether or not Laparoscopy is right for them.

WCJC has surgical privileges at the following surgery locations: Olathe Medical Center, and AdventHealth Shawnee Mission.

While most insurance companies at least partially cover Laparoscopy, it’s best to confirm your exact coverage with your insurance provider ahead of your appointment. Out-of-pocket costs could include co-pays, prescription co-pays (if necessary), surgery fees, and even a portion of the procedure itself. If you are still unclear on your coverage after speaking with your insurance carrier, please don’t hesitate to contact us with any additional questions you might have.

You should try to rest for up to 2 weeks after your diagnostic Laparoscopy in Kansas City; more time may be necessary if your laparoscopic surgery was performed in conjunction with another procedure. Your WCJC provider will explain in further detail everything you need to know in advance for you to adequately plan for taking time off work and away from your usual activities.

We perform laparoscopic surgery on patients under general anesthesia, so you will not feel anything during the surgery itself. You may experience some pain at the incision site; and a few other side effects, which we have included in the Post-Operative Instructions below.

Aside from extraneous circumstances, most of the laparoscopies we perform follow an initial visit to WCJC in which a patient expresses a concern. Even then, we will attempt to do other imaging and/or diagnostic tests before a Laparoscopy is necessary. Then, depending on the results of your Laparoscopy, we may invite you back for a follow-up appointment to discuss the next steps.

• You may experience cramping similar to menstrual cramps for 48 hours after the procedure.
• You may take “over the counter” pain relievers that do not contain aspirin, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®). Do not exceed the daily recommended dose.
• Your doctor may have prescribed a narcotic pain medication to use as well.

Note: If the pain is not relieved by pain medication, becomes worse, or you have difficulty breathing, call our office.

Laparoscopic incisions are closed with skin adhesive, which may have a bluish/shiny appearance on the skin and/or with subcutaneous (under the skin) suture.

• Inspect your incisions daily.
• A small amount of blood or clear drainage from the incisions is normal and not a cause for concern.
• Bruising around your incision sites is common and not a cause for concern.
• Your incisions may be itchy for a few days. This is part of the normal healing process.
• As your incisions heal, they will change in color and may become numb for several weeks.
• If you have small dressings or Band-Aids, they may be removed in 24 hours.
• If you have steri-strips (small adhesive strips) in place, they will peel and fall off. If they do not fall off in 10 days, carefully peel them off.
• If you have stitches, they will dissolve on their own.

Note: If you notice any redness, heavy drainage, or bleeding from your incisions, call our office.

• You may resume the diet you had prior to surgery.
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.

• For the first several days after surgery, the bowel is usually less active. You may not have a regular bowel movement right away depending on your pre-op bowel prep or pain medication use.

• Narcotic pain medication (Percocet, Vicodin, hydrocodone or oxycodone) will increase constipation. Regular bowel movements may be less frequent.

• If constipation should occur:

  • Drink more fluids
  • Continue to take a stool softener such as Colace® until constipation resolves
  • Take a mild laxative such as Milk of Magnesia®

• Mild abdominal swelling can occur following surgery due to slowing of the bowels and gas used to distend the abdomen during surgery.
• Swelling of the hands and lower extremities is common due to fluids given during surgery.
• Swelling of the face can occur due to positioning during surgery.
• If you have swelling of the calves that is persistent or associated with redness, call our office.

• It is normal to feel tired for a few days after surgery. Listen to your body and do not overdo it.
• We encourage walking immediately after surgery, as tolerated. You should NOT be bedridden after surgery, as continued movement will prevent prolonged recovery times due to “deconditioning.”
• If you could climb stairs un-aided prior to surgery, you may resume climbing stairs upon discharge home.
• If your incisions are 5 millimeters (the width of a pencil), you may resume your normal activities and exercise regimen after two weeks.
• If your incisions are 10 millimeters (finger width) or larger, you should avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting (greater than 10 pounds or a gallon of milk), pushing or pulling for 1 week.
• Do not drive while taking prescription pain medication or if your level of discomfort could inhibit your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
• Most patients are able to return to work after two weeks. Recovery times vary from patient to patient. Your doctor will make recommendations based on your specific case.
• You may shower the day after surgery. Pat incisions dry. Do not rub incisions with a washcloth or towel. Keep your incisions as dry as possible.
• You may take a bath after six weeks. You must also wait six weeks to go into a swimming pool, hot tub, or the ocean.

• Vaginal bleeding like a period, spotting, brown discharge, or watery discharge are expected for up to two weeks after surgery.

Note: If you have heavy, bright red vaginal bleeding soaking one pad or more per hour, call our office

Call your WCJC Officer if you are experiencing…

• A fever higher than 100.4º F
• Increasing pain not controlled by pain medication
• Inability to eat or drink without vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Inability to empty your bladder
• Redness and tenderness at the incision site, or a large amount of drainage
• Heavy, bright red vaginal bleeding, or foul smelling discharge. You can expect to have a small amount of reddish-brown colored discharge for up to six weeks. Do not be alarmed by this.

If you feel you need to be seen urgently, please go to the Emergency Department where your surgery was performed so that our physicians may care for you.

Any questions regarding your surgery or post-operative recovery should be directed to the staff at the Women’s Clinic of Johnson County rather than your Primary Care Physician.