What Should I Tell the Practice Before Surgery?
Please let the practice know as soon as possible if, ahead of your scheduled surgery, you:
- Suspect that you may be pregnant
- Develop a fever
- Experience new or worsening abdominal pain
- Have signs of a urinary, vaginal or other infection
- Are currently breastfeeding, so that any medication used is suitable
When Should You Choose A Laparoscopic Approach Over Robotic-Assisted Surgery?
A laparoscopic approach may be suitable when the procedure can be performed effectively using standard minimally invasive techniques without the added assistance of a robotic system. It is performed through three or four small incisions of around a centimetre and can offer benefits such as a shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain and a recovery period of approximately ten days.
Robotic-assisted surgery uses similarly small incisions, but may be considered for more complex procedures where greater precision or access could be beneficial. The most appropriate approach will depend on the extent and location of the condition, the type of surgery required and whether other specialists, such as a colorectal surgeon or urologist, need to be involved.
Your surgeon will discuss these factors with you and recommend the approach best suited to your procedure.
What Happens After Surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on how extensive your procedure was, and Dr Groenewald will go through what to expect for your specific surgery beforehand. If anything about your recovery feels uncertain once you are home, please do not hesitate to contact the practice rather than waiting for your follow-up appointment.
How Should I Plan My Time Away From Work?
Because laparoscopic recovery is generally shorter than recovery from open surgery, many patients are able to return to lighter duties within a week to ten days, though this depends entirely on the extent of your specific procedure. It is sensible to arrange time off in advance and to have someone available to help at home for the first few days, particularly for transport to and from the hospital.
