Consulting Surgeons

POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

  1. Pain medication. You may have been prescribed one or both of the following pain medications.

    • Celebrex. You may have been given this drug to start pre-operatively. Continue to take as directed until gone. Celebrex is a non-steroidal anti -inflammatory (NSAID) that will help reduce your discomfort.

    • Darvocet -N 100 or Vicodin. This is used for moderate pain and should be taken according to directions. This is taken as needed in addition to the Celebrex.

      Some patients experience shoulder pain after laparoscopic surgery. This is not serious and will resolve in one or two days.

      Of course, you are not required to take pain medication. If the pain is only minimal, you may take Extra-Strength Tylenol, 2 tablets every 4 hours, up to 8 tablets in 24 hours. For pain that is unrelieved with the prescription medications, call the office for further instructions.

  2. Diet. You may resume your usual diet as soon as you feel able. There are no dietary restrictions following gallbladder surgery. A low fat diet is generally considered desirable for everyone.

  3. Constipation. You may take a laxative if you are unable to move you bowels within 3 days after surgery. Dulcolax, Milk of Magnesia or Fleet Enema are all acceptable laxatives. If you do not have results with these medications, then you may drink a bottle of Citrate of Magnesium, which is available without a prescription. This will usually produce several bowel movements.

  4. Activity. You may be active as long as you are comfortable. Do not drive until you are no longer taking prescription pain medications and are able to move your legs without hesitation. This is typically in 3-5 days. In general, you may return to work as soon as you feel able, but this varies with the kind of work that is involved. It is safest to check with the doctor before returning to work.

  5. Wound Care. Your incisions are closed with dissolving sutures under the skin and covered with surgical glue. No bandages are necessary. Do not take tub baths or swim until instructed by your doctor.

  6. Follow-up. When you get home from the hospital, call the office to schedule a follow-up visit about 7-10 days after the date of surgery. You may call at anytime with additional questions.

Updated 5/ 18/06 Id

This is where you can feature something special about the practice, highlight a new service, link to a news article, etc.

It's up to you. You can then add a link, such as to the services page, for them to learn more about the featured item.