Expectations after surgery:

Laparoscopic procedures are growing more popular with doctors, especially with the introduction of more high-tech laparoscopes.

Many of the procedures can be done the same day on an outpatient basis, but you may need to stay overnight. The average time of surgery is about an hour, but this depends on the procedure performed.

Whether used to diagnose or treat conditions, laparoscopy may prevent the need for a large surgical cut in the abdomen and a longer hospital stay. Laparoscopic surgery can be considered major surgery, depending on the procedure.

Unless major problems are uncovered during the procedure (such as severe bleeding, or a tubal pregnancy), laparoscopy may be the only operation needed.

Convalescence:

The gas pumped into the abdomen may cause abdominal discomfort for 1 - 2 days after the procedure. Some people feel neck and shoulder pain for several days after a laparoscopy as the carbon dioxide gas escapes through the skin.

You may resume your normal activities in less than 2 days. You can begin sexual activities again as soon as bleeding (if there is any) has stopped.

Call your doctor if you have:

• Bleeding from the vagina
• Fever that doesn't go away
• Severe abdominal pain