Looking after laparoscopy wounds

[Doglover1998]

Hi all, my diagnostic laparoscopy was on Sunday and when I was discharged I was still foggy from the anaesthesia so didn’t get to ask all my questions about looking after the wounds.

Do I need to keep wearing bandages or is it better to let them air? I’m worried that not covering them would mean they would rub on my underwear and clothes and get irritated and possibly infected?

[Suzy23861]

Let the air get to them and wear baggy loss clothes and showering is good for them but remember to pat dry.

[Jacklee1]

Morning

Hope your well. I am 6 weeks post lap after having hysterectomy amongst other stuff this dreaded endo brings.

I wasn't told anything either when I was discharged from hospital too. My stitches etc were rubbing on clothes so I changed them every day after my shower which is fine to have. I took my old gauzes off whilst in the shower (you are OK to shower lol) being careful not to let shower directly on wounds. Pat dry then add a clean gauze. These you can get from chemist/boots/superdrug etc.

I also booked appointment with my nurse at local gp who was lovely and explained all this too me whilst checking my wounds.

Might be best to do this and they will be able to explain a lot more to you.

Wish you all the best and rest xx

[hm89]

Mine got infected first time round so I was super careful with my second lap. I left them completely alone for nearly a week. Unfortunately this means careful washing over the sink rather than a proper shower but I wasn’t really leaving the house anyway. After a week, I removed the plasters, had a shower and let soap run over them but didn’t actively clean them. Then I washed them separately with sterile water the hospital gave me, patted and air dried them and covered them back up. I did this every three days or so until the stitches started to fall out. When the incisions looked closed, I started washing normally again because apparently water helps break down the stitches.

Bit extreme but infections hurt and you don’t need that!!

[princessk09]

Hey, I treated mine like one of my tattoos. The nurse told me to keep it covered for 12 hours so just whilst I slept the first night after surgery. And then I just let it air dry and kept it clean and pat dried afterwards.

I started wearing leggings again after about a week and it didn’t catch or anything. xx

[Baker18]

I would advise to keep a close eye on them so they don’t get infected! As mentioned by the previous ladies, I would suggest getting large plasters/bandages so you have the extra protection until the stitches dissolve. Definitely wear baggy clothing for a while. I know it varies from women to women but I couldn’t wear jeans or anything right until 8 weeks after my op (not to scare you but so you are aware!)