Hello, I'm Dr. Smith, a board-certified general surgeon with over 20 years of experience. I understand you're curious about the pain associated with laparoscopic surgery. It's a common concern, and I'm happy to provide some insight.

Firstly, it's important to remember that everyone experiences pain differently. What one person finds excruciating, another may barely notice. This is influenced by various factors, including individual pain tolerance, the specific procedure being performed, and the presence of any underlying conditions.

Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery, involves making small incisions in the abdomen through which a tiny camera and surgical instruments are inserted. The procedure is generally considered less painful than traditional open surgery due to the smaller incisions.

**However, it's not completely pain-free.**

**Here's a breakdown of the potential pain associated with laparoscopic surgery:**

* During the procedure: You will be under general anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during the surgery itself.
* Immediately after surgery: You may experience some discomfort and tenderness around the incision sites. This is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
* In the days following surgery: You may experience varying levels of pain, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Some common sources of discomfort include:
* Gas pain: Laparoscopic surgery involves inflating the abdomen with carbon dioxide gas to create space for the instruments. This can cause gas pain, which feels like bloating or pressure in the abdomen. It usually subsides within a few days.
* Shoulder pain: The gas can also irritate the diaphragm, which can lead to referred pain in the shoulders. This is usually temporary and resolves as the gas is absorbed by the body.
* Pain around the incision sites: You may experience some soreness, aching, or stinging around the incision sites.
* Long-term pain: In some cases, you may experience chronic pain after laparoscopic surgery. This is less common but can occur, especially if you had a complex procedure or have pre-existing pain conditions.

**To help manage pain after laparoscopic surgery, your doctor may recommend:**

* Pain medication: Your doctor may prescribe pain medication, such as opioids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
* Ice packs: Applying ice packs to the incision sites can help reduce swelling and pain.
* Rest: Resting and avoiding strenuous activity can give your body time to heal.
* Walking: Gentle walking can help prevent blood clots and promote healing.
* Physical therapy: Physical therapy may be recommended to help restore your mobility and flexibility.

**It's important to remember that pain after laparoscopic surgery is a normal part of the healing process.** Most patients find that the pain is manageable and subsides within a few days or weeks.

**If you experience severe or persistent pain, contact your doctor immediately.** They can assess your pain and recommend appropriate treatment options.

**In summary, laparoscopic surgery is generally associated with less pain than open surgery due to the smaller incisions. However, it is not completely pain-free.** You may experience discomfort, tenderness, gas pain, shoulder pain, or pain around the incision sites. With appropriate pain management and rest, most patients can recover quickly from laparoscopic surgery.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
read more >>

A local anesthetic numbs the area, so even though you'll be awake during the surgery, you won't feel any pain. During laparoscopy, the surgeon makes an incision below your belly button, and then inserts a small tube called a cannula. The cannula is used to inflate your abdomen with carbon dioxide gas.read more >>