Pain after surgery

Recovery after surgery also depends largely on how long the operation takes

The more extensive the operation, the longer the recovery time. Recovery is also affected by how long you are exposed to anaesthetic drugs, which in this case is correspondingly longer.

After surgical endoscopy (laparoscopy), there is usually some pain in the back and shoulder area, rather like muscle stiffness. There is no reason to worry. This pain is caused by the carbon dioxide gas irritating the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest).

As a rule, these symptoms ease within the first three days after the operation. Unlike traditional surgery through an abdominal incision or through the vagina, with surgical endoscopy you are free of pain within a few days.

Even so, it is wise to take care of yourself for a reasonable period, because although there are no visible signs on the outside, there may be several internal wounds that first need to heal.