Other instruments used with the laparoscope allow the surgeon to take photographs, obtain biopsies of tissue and now, with the addition of the laser, to cut, coagulate or vaporize tissue. Following any laparoscopic procedure, some discomfort is normal and to be expected. Patients commonly report pain in the shoulders, neck and abdomen. This may occur because gas used during the procedure to expand the abdomen cannot be fully removed. These symptoms usually resolve within 12-24 hours with bedrest.
Some patients develop post-surgical nausea from anesthesia.
The incision and stitches may be tender for a few days. Most of these minor discomforts subside quickly. While each patient is different, most will recover within a few hours or a day after the procedure. Improvement is continuous. Surgical therapy is indicated after conservative therapies have been proven ineffective, or if the condition is interfering with daily activities.