Cuidados Después De Una Laparoscopia: Endometriosis and Fibroids — What to Know

Whether your laparoscopy was performed to treat endometriosis (by removing or ablating lesions) or fibroids (such as a laparoscopic myomectomy), thoughtful after-care can speed recovery and reduce complications. This guide explains what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call your care team—drawing on guidance from reputable medical sources.

What laparoscopy does—and why after-care matters

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that uses small incisions and a camera to diagnose and treat pelvic conditions. For endometriosis, surgeons may excise or ablate implants and free adhesions. For fibroids, they may remove fibroids while preserving the uterus. Even with small incisions, your body needs time to heal from anesthesia, the carbon dioxide (CO₂) used to inflate the abdomen, and any tissue repair inside the pelvis. Good after-care helps control pain, protects the incisions, supports bowel and bladder function, and flags warning signs early.

The first 24–72 hours: what to expect

• Pain and cramping: Mild to moderate abdominal or pelvic pain is common. Shoulder-tip pain or bloating may occur from CO₂ irritation.
• Light vaginal bleeding or spotting: Especially after endometriosis treatment or myomectomy. Heavy bleeding is not normal (see red flags below).
• Nausea or fatigue: Often related to anesthesia and pain medication. Improves over 1–2 days.
• Constipation or gas: Very common after pelvic surgery and anesthesia.

Pain control: using medications safely

Most people can control pain with a combination of nonprescription options, reserving any prescribed opioid for severe pain.

• Acetaminophen (paracetamol): Helpful for baseline pain; check all labels to avoid double-dosing (it’s in many combination products). Do not exceed 4,000 mg in 24 hours from all sources, and ask your clinician about a lower daily limit if you have liver disease or drink alcohol regularly (FDA guidance).
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): Reduce pain and inflammation. Avoid if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, certain heart conditions, or if your surgeon advised against them because of bleeding risk. Take with food and follow label or clinician instructions.
• Opioids: If prescribed, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not drive, drink alcohol, or combine with sedatives.
• Non-drug helpers: Heat packs to shoulders or abdomen, gentle walking to disperse gas, and relaxation breathing can all help.

Caring for your incisions and managing bleeding

• Dressings: Most laparoscopic incisions are covered with small bandages or skin glue. Keep them clean and dry for 24–48 hours or as instructed. You can usually shower after that; pat dry. Avoid soaking (baths, pools, hot tubs) until cleared by your surgeon.
• Signs of infection: Call if you notice increasing redness spreading beyond the incision, warmth, swelling, pus-like drainage, or a fever of 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher.
• Vaginal care: Use pads (not tampons) until your clinician says it’s safe—often about 2 weeks. Expect light spotting; heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour or passing large clots) needs urgent evaluation.

Activity, diet, and bowel health

• Movement: Short, frequent walks begin the day of or after surgery to prevent clots and reduce gas pain. Avoid heavy lifting (generally more than 10–15 lb/4.5–7 kg), intense core workouts, and high-impact exercise until cleared—often 2 weeks after minor procedures and up to 4–6 weeks after a myomectomy.
• Driving: Wait at least 24 hours after anesthesia and until you are off opioids and can brake suddenly without pain.
• Diet: Start with light foods; hydrate well. Include fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) as tolerated.
• Constipation prevention: Consider a stool softener (e.g., docusate) and/or gentle laxative as recommended by your clinician, especially if using opioids. Do not strain.
• Gas and bloating: Warm fluids, walking, and avoiding carbonated drinks for a few days can help.

Sex, periods, and fertility after surgery

• Intercourse: Typically avoid vaginal intercourse for about 2 weeks or until your surgeon confirms healing, especially if you had uterine sutures during a myomectomy.
• Periods: Your first period may be delayed or slightly heavier or lighter. Track bleeding and report heavy or prolonged bleeding.
• Hormonal therapy after endometriosis surgery: Many patients benefit from postoperative hormonal suppression (e.g., combined hormonal contraception, progestins, or other options) to lower the risk of symptom recurrence. Discuss timing and choice with your clinician.
• Trying to conceive: After endometriosis surgery, some are advised to try sooner to take advantage of improved fertility; after myomectomy, you may be advised to wait several months to allow the uterus to heal and to discuss delivery planning. Always follow your surgeon’s individualized guidance.

Recovery timelines

• Diagnostic laparoscopy or limited endometriosis treatment: Many return to desk work in 3–7 days; full activity in 2–4 weeks.
• Laparoscopic myomectomy or extensive endometriosis excision: Expect 2–4 weeks before light duties and up to 4–6 weeks for full activity, depending on the extent of surgery and your baseline health.

When to call your surgeon or seek urgent care

• Fever of 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher
• Worsening abdominal pain not relieved by medications
• Redness spreading around incisions, foul-smelling drainage, or separation of the incision
• Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour), large clots, or dizziness/fainting
• Persistent nausea/vomiting, inability to keep liquids down, or signs of dehydration
• Calf pain, swelling, or sudden shortness of breath (possible blood clot—emergency)
• Difficulty urinating, burning that persists, or no bowel movement for >3 days despite measures

Follow-up and long-term care

Most surgeons schedule a follow-up visit within 1–3 weeks. Bring your questions about pathology results, resuming exercise and intercourse, scar care, work notes, and future pregnancy plans. If you were treated for endometriosis, discuss maintenance strategies to reduce symptom recurrence. If you had a myomectomy, ask about uterine healing, the likelihood of fibroid regrowth, and recommendations for future pregnancy and delivery planning.

Building a recovery plan you can trust

Every recovery is different. The safest plan is the one tailored to your specific surgery, medical history, and goals. Use the general guidance above alongside the written instructions from your surgical team, and never hesitate to reach out with concerns—especially in the first two weeks, when most complications can be prevented or treated quickly if recognized early.

Trusted sources

• MedlinePlus, NIH: Laparoscopy for diagnosis and treatment — https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002915.htm
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Endometriosis — https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometriosis
• ACOG: Uterine Fibroids — https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/uterine-fibroids
• NICHD, NIH: Endometriosis overview — https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/endometri/conditioninfo
• MedlinePlus, NIH: Uterine Fibroids — https://medlineplus.gov/uterinefibroids.html
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Acetaminophen—avoiding unintended dangers — https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/acetaminophen-avoiding-its-unintended-dangers

This article is for general education and does not replace medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your surgeon and care team.