Laparoscopic surgery otherwise known as laparoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows doctors to examine the abdominal organs with a laparoscope, a small instrument with a video camera on the end. To perform this procedure, the doctor will make an incision in your stomach and then insert a laparoscope through the hole and fill your stomach with carbon dioxide, which unfortunately can cause constipation, flatulence, and discomfort after the operation. Fortunately, you can overcome this discomfort with a variety of home remedies, medications, and eating and drinking right.
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Method 1 of 3: Bleeding after Surgery
Step 1. Take a short walk slowly to stimulate the digestive tract
Walk for 15 minutes around the house, but only if you feel comfortable doing so. Walking will stimulate the work of the muscles in the digestive tract so that it helps relieve constipation and flatulence and helps expel farts.
Avoid doing any more strenuous physical activity than walking for at least the first few postoperative days
Step 2. Try practicing leg lifts to help you clear the air
Lie on your back and place a pillow under your knees. After that, slowly lift your right leg towards your stomach while bending your knee. Hold for 10 seconds. Lower the leg after 10 seconds and repeat this exercise with the left leg.
- Lifting your legs like this will make your abdominal muscles contract and widen, helping you to expel gas from your digestive tract.
- Repeat this exercise 2-3 times a day until your discomfort subsides.
Step 3. Take medication to help you pass the wind
Use medications that are specially formulated to treat gas bubbles in the body or to help ease flatulence. Before using any medication, make sure you consult with your doctor first.
Some examples of drugs that can help you pass the wind include simethicone and Colace. You can buy these medicines at most pharmacies and drug stores
Method 2 of 3: Relieve Discomfort
Step 1. Massage or rub your stomach to help expel the gas that causes discomfort
Make a fist with your left hand then slowly push it to the right side of your stomach. After that, slide your hands towards your chest through your stomach and then down to your left side.
- Massage like this will help relax the abdominal muscles as well as stimulate the activity of the digestive tract.
- Make sure not to press too hard on your stomach while massaging, as this can only make your discomfort worse.
Step 2. Use a hot compress on the stomach for 15 minutes to reduce gas pain
Wrap the heating bag in a towel so it doesn't stick to the skin directly. Placing the heating bag directly on the surface of the skin can cause numbness and even minor injury.
- Note that while this can relieve pain from gas, this warm compress can also make the swelling you experience worse post-surgery.
- You can use this compress as often as needed to stimulate the abdominal muscles. However, don't use it for more than 20 minutes at a time. Also, give yourself a break of at least 20 minutes between compresses so that your body temperature can drop again.
Step 3. Use pain medication as prescribed by your doctor
Your doctor may recommend taking pain medication, especially if you have postoperative pain in your shoulder. However, don't use over-the-counter pain relievers, as some of these drugs can actually make constipation worse.
- Some pain relievers can also cause nausea. If you feel nauseous, tell your doctor right away and ask if you can switch to another medicine.
- To avoid potential constipation due to medication use, make sure you drink plenty of fluids and eat fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.
- Keep in mind that some pain relievers can also make flatulence worse and prolong the time it takes for the digestive tract to return to normal.
Step 4. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn't put pressure on the stomach
Wear clothing without elastic bands around the waist for the first 1-2 weeks postoperatively, or until you are no longer constipated or gas-induced discomfort. If possible, wear clothes that are slightly larger than usual so they don't feel tight around your stomach.
Clothing such as nightgowns and pajamas are suitable for the first few weeks after surgery
Method 3 of 3: Eating and Drinking after Surgery
Step 1. Drink some peppermint tea if your doctor allows it
Hot peppermint tea is known to help increase digestive tract activity and relieve stomach pain from gas. However, be sure to consult your doctor first. That way, you can make sure that you are allowed to drink this tea.
To further stimulate the movement of the digestive tract, drink tea with natural laxative properties, such as Smooth Move tea
Step 2. Try chewing gum after surgery to speed up recovery
Just like drinking hot tea, there is also some research evidence showing that chewing gum after surgery can help reduce constipation experienced after laparoscopic surgery. To get this unexpected medical benefit, chew gum for 15 minutes every 2 hours after surgery.
- You can chew any flavor of gum, the most important thing here is the chewing motion.
- Be sure to cover your mouth and not talk while chewing gum. If you don't, you may swallow the gum, adding air and increasing gas in the stomach.
Step 3. Avoid carbonated drinks for 1-2 days after surgery
Carbonated drinks can make pain worse due to the carbon dioxide used during surgery. Avoiding gaseous drinks can also help reduce the postoperative nausea you experience.
You should avoid carbonated drinks for the first 2 days after surgery. However, ask your doctor if you need to stay away from this drink longer based on your condition
Step 4. Avoid drinking through a straw until the gas pain subsides
Using a straw will make you swallow air when you drink, and as a result, air bubbles will form in your digestive tract. Drink straight from the mouth of the glass after surgery until the discomfort in your stomach subsides.
Step 5. Follow a diet of fluids and soft foods for the first week after surgery
These foods will be easier for the body to digest as well as easy to swallow. After the first week, start gradually adding soft foods to your diet over the next 4-6 weeks.
- The ideal foods and drinks consumed during the first week include broths, soups, milkshakes, puddings, and mashed potatoes.
- Avoid foods that are difficult to digest, such as hard breads and meats, bagels, raw vegetables, and beans.
