What pain and swelling are normal after laparoscopy or excision?

It’s normal to have soreness around the incision sites, period-like cramping, bloating, and a sense of abdominal swelling after laparoscopy or excision. Many patients also feel shoulder-tip pain from the gas used during surgery, and these symptoms are usually most noticeable in the first few days. Overall, we expect discomfort and swelling to steadily improve day by day.

We want to hear from you right away if symptoms are worsening instead of improving after about day 3–4, or if you develop a fever, foul-smelling or pus-like drainage from an incision, heavy vaginal bleeding, new calf swelling, or any shortness of breath. Those can be signs of complications that need prompt evaluation, and our team can guide you on what to do next based on your exact surgery and symptoms.