Laparotomy: What to Expect at Home

Your Recovery

A laparotomy (say "lap-uh-RAW-tuh-mee") is surgery done through a cut (incision) in your belly. The surgeon will discuss with you what was done and what the next steps are.

After the surgery, you may feel weak and tired. You may have nausea or vomiting. It's common to have some pain in your belly and around your incision. The pain should get better over the next few weeks. Many people are able to return to their regular activities within a few weeks after surgery. Your bowel movements may not be regular for several weeks after the surgery.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Activity

• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Be active. It can help prevent problems and help you recover. Walking is a good option for many.
• 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. This may include a child, heavy grocery bags and milk containers, a heavy briefcase or backpack, cat litter or dog food bags, or a vacuum cleaner.
• You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Pat the incision dry. Don't swim or take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.
• Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
• Many people are able to return to work within a few weeks after surgery. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.
• Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex.

Diet

• You can eat your normal diet.
• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).
• You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular for 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery. This is common. If that's the case, try to avoid constipation and straining. Your doctor may suggest fiber, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also get instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:
  • Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).
  • Ask your doctor for a different pain medicine.

Incision care

• You will have a dressing or a skin adhesive over the cut (incision). This helps the incision heal and protects it. Your doctor will tell you how to take care of it.
• If you have strips of tape on the incision, leave the tape on until it falls off.
• If you have staples or stitches that don't dissolve on their own, your doctor will tell you when to come back to have them removed.
• Gently wash the area daily with warm, soapy water, rinse, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing. You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it oozes fluid or rubs against clothing. Change the bandage every day.
• Keep the area clean and dry.

Other instructions

• You may have a drain near your incision. Your doctor will tell you how to take care of it.
• Hold a pillow over your incision when you cough or take deep breaths. This will support your belly and decrease your pain.
• Do breathing exercises at home as instructed by your doctor. This can help prevent pneumonia.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have pain that does not get better after you take pain medicine.
• You have nausea and vomiting and can't keep down fluids.
• You have loose staples or stitches, or your incision comes open.
• Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over your incision.
• You have symptoms of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
  • Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Swelling in the leg or groin.
  • A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish.
• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around your incision.
  • Red streaks leading from the incision.
  • Pus draining from the incision.
  • A fever.
• You cannot pass stools or gas.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.