How to Sleep After Laparoscopic Surgery?

In this post, we will talk about the best methods for sleeping after laparoscopic surgery alongside other critical recovery tips relevant for helping you return to be your best again.

What Is the Laparoscopy Procedure?

Laparoscopy is a modern technique for performing minimally invasive surgical procedures within the abdomen and pelvis. Rather than lengthy incisions, the surgeon makes small cuts in the patient’s body and inserts a tiny camera called a laparoscope. Using this system of precision, doctors perform the procedure. This technique is very common for gall bladder removal, different types of hernia surgeries, hysterectomy, among other surgeries performed on the abdomen.

Since laparoscopy involves very small scars, the healing is usually within a shorter time span as compared to traditional open surgery. However, some of these effects such as pain, bloating, and some level of discomfort are not left out, especially at certain times during the sleep position. This is why adopting the right sleeping positions and recovery techniques becomes very important to ensure smooth healing.

Recommended Sleeping Position After Laparoscopic Surgery:

Sleeping in the wrong position after laparoscopic surgery puts pressure on your incisions and increases the level of pain. Here are the recommended sleeping positions for maximum comfort and safety.

1. Sleep on Your Back (Best Position):

It is advisable to sleep straight after laparoscopic surgery because it is the healthiest position. The abdomen remains relaxed this way and does not get unwarranted pressure in the area operated on.

1. Put your knees on a pillow to relieve strain on your lower back. 
2. Elevate your upper body slightly with a few pillows or a wedge pillow so that you will not have a bloated sensation and discomfort. 
3. Use a body pillow to keep yourself from rolling onto your side or onto your stomach while sleeping.

2. Slightly Elevated Position

Maintain a little elevation of the upper portion of your body while sleeping to aid in the reduction of any gas discomfort and bloating that might follow laparoscopic surgery. You can do this by the following means:

1. Using an adjustable bed if it is available. 
2. Keeping extra pillows at your upper back and head.
3. Sleeping in a recliner chair for the first few nights, if lying flat is uncomfortable.

3. Side Sleeping

If it feels weird or painful to sleep on your back, you might begin getting some sleep on your side after a few days. Lie on the side that hurts less,

put a pillow in between your knees so your spine will be nicely aligned. And don’t curl in too much because it will put pressure on the abdomen.

1. Sleep tends to creep into the side that is less painful.
2. keep a pillow between your knees for good spinal alignment. 
3. Do not curl in too much, as it puts pressure on the abdominal cavity.

4. Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach

The position of sleeping on your stomach is not good to take after laparoscopic surgery. This location can give direct pressure onto your incisions and slow down healing. Please wait for your doctor to approve it before trying this position.

Other Ways for Quick Recovery After Laparoscopic Surgery:

Here are a few more strategies to speed up recovery besides your bedtime pose:

1. Stay Hydrated

Sufficient water intake helps get rid of anesthesia and constipation, which is a likely complication after a surgery. Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.

2. Manage Pain Properly

Taking pain medication prescribed by your physician will ensure comfort. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can also be taken, but talk to your doctor first.

3. Walk a Little Each Day

Taking short walks increases blood circulation and reduces your chances of developing blood clots. Following surgery, it’s also great to move around to get rid of gas pains that are common with laparoscopic procedures.

4. Eat a Light, Nutritious Diet

Fibers in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are good tools against constipation. Steer clear of anything heavy, greasy, or spicy that may upset your stomach.

5. Support Your Abdomen When Moving

Apply pressure with a pillow when you cough, sneeze, or get out of bed. This will relieve pain and strain from your incisions.

What Is the Fastest Way to Recover from Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic recovery is a benign healing process that actively helps the body heal. Consider these essentials:

• Follow Your Doctor’s Orders – This may sound terribly obvious, but it’s most important. Your doctor knows best, and in order to support the healing process, you need to take medications, follow activity restrictions, and keep appointments for follow-ups.
• Lifting – Your body needs time to heal; therefore for at least 2-4 weeks, just avoid lifting anything weighing over 10 pounds. Overdoing it could put stress on the incisions and delay recoveries.
• Listen to Your Own Body – If something hurts, don’t do it. Pain is nature’s signal for a well-deserved timeout: rest, try to avoid anything that brings discomfort.
• Rest Enough – Your body does the bulk of healing during sleep. Use pillows to support your back if needed, elevate upper body slightly, and sleep in a position that does not put pressure on an incision.
• Stay Away from Smoking and Alcohol – Smoking and drinking hinder healing, create inflammation, and increase complications. If at all possible, avoid both during your recovery period.
• Thus, by adhering to such simple-but-effective recovery tips, you will be able to muster enough strength to return to your usual routine in no time, free from unnecessary setbacks.

Conclusion:

Post laparoscopic surgery, a good night’s sleep may be more elusive. Making some small changes can drastically change things. To rest well, one should sleep on their back with sufficient pillow support. If you do roll onto your side, be very deliberate and controlled with your movements, and get the proper support. Avoid sleeping on your stomach unless given the all-clear by your doctor.

Aside from sleep, keeping up your fluids, eating healthily, and gently moving around will help with your speedy recovery. Your body knows what it needs—listen to it, give it rest when it needs, and call your doctor if anything seems off. With time and care, you will be on your feet feeling like yourself again sooner than you think.

FAQ:

• Can I sleep sideways after laparoscopic surgery?

Yes, but sleeping sideways should be avoided for a few days. If necessary, sleep on the non-painful side using a pillow between the knees.

• When can I sleep on my stomach after laparoscopic surgery?

Surgical procedures usually discourage sleeping on the stomach, at least for two weeks or up to four weeks, whichever the doctor suggests.

• Should I sleep with extra pillows?

Yes, for comfort, put pillows under your knees when lying flat on your back and behind your back when lying on the side, or put pillows under your upper body, elevating your chest for good measure.

• What if I accidentally roll onto my stomach?

If you happen to find yourself awake on your stomach, try not to panic; gently maneuver yourself back into a safer position, such as on your back or side. Using a body pillow may also help prevent rolling over.