Being told you need surgery can bring up a lot of questions, even when the procedure is minimally invasive. This guide covers what generally happens in the lead-up to laparoscopic surgery, so patients know what to expect and how to prepare.
Before the Surgery Is Scheduled
Once a laparoscopic procedure is recommended, your surgeon will typically review your medical history, current medications, and any relevant imaging or test results already available. This is also the right time to ask questions about the procedure, its purpose, and what recovery is likely to involve for your specific situation.
Pre-Operative Tests
Before surgery, a set of routine tests is generally required to confirm you are fit for anaesthesia and surgery. These commonly include:
- Blood tests, including a complete blood count and relevant organ function tests
- An electrocardiogram (ECG), particularly for older patients or those with cardiac risk factors
- Imaging specific to your condition (such as ultrasound, CT or MRI)
- An anaesthesia consultation to review your fitness for surgery
Medication and Lifestyle Adjustments
You may be asked to temporarily stop certain medications, particularly blood thinners, ahead of surgery, under your doctor's guidance. If you smoke, stopping in the weeks before surgery can support better healing. Any existing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure should be well controlled prior to the procedure.
Fasting Before Surgery
Patients are usually asked to fast (avoid food and, in some cases, liquids) for a specified period before surgery, as instructed by the anaesthesia team, to reduce the risk of complications during anaesthesia.
What Happens on the Day
On the day of surgery, you'll typically be admitted a few hours beforehand for final preparation, including confirming consent, marking the surgical site if relevant, and meeting the anaesthesia team. Laparoscopic procedures are performed under general anaesthesia, meaning you will be asleep throughout.
General Recovery Expectations
Recovery varies by procedure, but many laparoscopic surgeries allow for a shorter hospital stay than open surgery, with a gradual return to light activity over the following days to weeks. Your surgical team will provide specific guidance on wound care, activity restrictions, and warning signs to watch for during recovery.
Good preparation — from pre-operative tests to simply understanding what to expect — helps surgery go more smoothly and supports a steadier recovery.
If you have an upcoming laparoscopic procedure and questions about preparation, don't hesitate to raise them at your pre-operative consultation.
Leave a Comment