WHAT SHOULD A PATIENT EXPECT ON THE DAY OF SURGERY?
• You usually arrive at the hospital the morning of the operation. • A qualified medical staff member will typically place a small needle or catheter into your vein to dispense medication during the surgery. Often pre-operative medications, such as antibiotics, may be given. • Your anesthesia will last during and up to several hours following surgery. • Following the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room and remain there until you are fully awake. • Few patients may go home the same day of surgery, while others may need admission for a day or more post-operatively. The need to stay in the hospital will be determined according to the extent of the operative procedure and your general health. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE OPERATION CANNOT BE PERFORMED OR COMPLETED BY THE LAPAROSCOPIC METHOD? In a small number of patients the laparoscopic method cannot be performed. Factors that may increase the possibility of choosing or converting to the “open” procedure may include obesity, a history
