The Surgical Recovery Playbook | Episode 01
By Dr Anna Brownson | Gynaecologist
Preparing for surgery involves more than just turning up at the hospital on the day.
If you're booked for a laparoscopy, you might be feeling relieved to have a plan for treatment, nervous about the operation, or unsure what to expect afterwards.
These feelings are understandable.
One of the things I regularly discuss with patients is that feeling informed and prepared can make the surgical experience less daunting.
Whether you're having a laparoscopy for endometriosis, an ovarian cyst, fibroids or another gynaecological condition, there are several practical things you can organise beforehand.
In this first instalment of The Surgical Recovery Playbook, I'm sharing seven things I encourage patients to think about before their operation.
1. Understand what surgery you're having
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows the surgeon to examine and operate within the abdomen and pelvis through small incisions.
However, not all laparoscopic procedures are the same.
A diagnostic laparoscopy may involve examining the pelvic organs and taking biopsies.
Other procedures may involve excising endometriosis, removing an ovarian cyst, performing a myomectomy to remove fibroids or removing the uterus through a laparoscopic hysterectomy.
The complexity of the operation, its risks and the expected recovery can be very different.
Before your operation, make sure you understand:
What procedure is planned and why
The expected benefits and possible risks
Whether there are alternatives, including non-surgical options
Whether additional procedures might become necessary
What your surgeon expects your recovery to involve
In some circumstances, an operation may need to be modified or converted to open surgery for safety reasons. Your surgeon should discuss relevant possibilities during the consent process.
There are no silly questions when it comes to understanding your surgery.
2. Review your medications
Some medications require special consideration before surgery.
During your preoperative assessment, your surgical and anaesthetic teams should review the medications you take regularly.
This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, vitamins and supplements.
Particular considerations may include:
Blood-thinning medications
Anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications can affect bleeding risk. Some need to be adjusted before surgery, but stopping them without medical advice can also be dangerous.
Diabetes medications
Diabetes management may need to be adjusted around fasting and anaesthesia.
GLP-1 and related medications
Medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) can delay stomach emptying, which is relevant to anaesthetic safety.
Current Australian and New Zealand anaesthesia guidance generally recommends continuing these medications before elective surgery, with specific measures to reduce aspiration risk. This may include a clear-fluid diet for 24 hours before the procedure.
Importantly, don't stop these medications yourself. Inform your anaesthetist and follow the specific instructions provided by your surgical team.
Other medications and supplements
Some medications and supplements may interact with anaesthesia or affect bleeding risk.
Bring an up-to-date medication list to your preoperative appointment, including doses and the date of your last injection where relevant.
3. Organise your recovery before surgery day
It's easy to focus on the operation itself and forget about the practicalities of getting home and recovering afterwards.
If you're having a general anaesthetic, you'll need someone to take you home.
You should also arrange for a responsible adult to stay with you or be available as directed by your hospital, particularly during the first 24 hours.
Before surgery, consider:
Who will collect you from hospital?
Will you need help at home?
Do you need to organise childcare or pet care?
How much time might you need off work?
Will someone be available to help with groceries, meals or household tasks?
The answers depend on the type of operation you're having and your personal circumstances.
For example, recovery after a straightforward diagnostic laparoscopy may be relatively short, while more extensive endometriosis surgery, myomectomy or hysterectomy can require a longer recovery period.
It's worth discussing your expected recovery with your surgeon and arranging any necessary leave in advance.
Remember that keyhole surgery is still surgery. Give yourself time to recover.
4. Prepare your home
You don't need to completely reorganise your house, but a little preparation can make the first few days after surgery more comfortable.
Some things I suggest include:
Stock up on easy meals
Having simple, nutritious food available means you won't need to worry about cooking immediately after surgery.
Choose comfortable clothing
Loose-fitting clothing can be particularly helpful when your abdomen feels bloated or tender.
High-waisted or soft-waisted trousers may be more comfortable than clothing that presses directly against your incisions.
Keep essentials close by
Have water, your phone charger, medications and other frequently used items somewhere easily accessible.
Plan for constipation
Constipation can be common after surgery, particularly when opioid pain relief is required.
Hydration, gentle mobilisation and an appropriate bowel management plan can help. Your surgical team may recommend a laxative.
Organise your medications
Make sure you understand what pain relief will be available after discharge and whether you need to collect any prescriptions.
You don't need an elaborate recovery setup. Small practical preparations can make a difference.
5. Know what to expect after laparoscopy
One of the most useful things before surgery is having realistic expectations about recovery.
Although laparoscopy usually involves smaller incisions than open abdominal surgery, it's common to experience some discomfort afterwards.
Symptoms may include:
Abdominal pain and bloating
Your abdomen may feel tender or swollen following surgery.
Shoulder-tip pain
During laparoscopy, carbon dioxide gas is introduced into the abdomen to create space for the operation.
This can irritate the diaphragm and cause referred pain around the shoulders, particularly during the first few days.
Fatigue
You may feel more tired than expected, especially following a longer or more complex operation.
Vaginal bleeding
Light vaginal bleeding or spotting may occur depending on the procedure performed.
Changes in bowel function
Constipation and bloating are common after surgery and may be influenced by anaesthesia, reduced activity and pain medications.
These symptoms should generally improve as you recover.
However, increasing pain, heavy bleeding, fever, persistent vomiting, chest pain, breathlessness or other concerning symptoms require medical assessment.
Your surgical team should provide written discharge instructions explaining what is expected following your particular operation.
6. Follow your preoperative instructions
Your hospital and anaesthetist will provide specific instructions about preparing for surgery.
These may include:
When to stop eating and drinking
Which medications to take or withhold
Your hospital admission time
Whether blood tests or other investigations are required
Whether any special preparation is needed
Fasting instructions are particularly important.
Having food or fluid in your stomach during anaesthesia can increase the risk of aspiration.
Fasting requirements can vary depending on the procedure, medications and individual circumstances, so always follow the instructions given by your anaesthetist or hospital.
If you are unsure about when to stop eating or drinking, contact the hospital rather than guessing.
You should also let your surgical team know if you develop a fever, respiratory illness, infection or other significant change in your health before the operation.
If pregnancy is possible, tell your team so appropriate assessment and testing can be arranged.
7. Ask questions before your operation
Your preoperative appointment is an opportunity to understand your procedure and make sure your questions have been answered.
I encourage patients to write down their questions beforehand, as it's easy to forget things during an appointment.
Some useful questions include:
What exactly is planned during my operation?
What are the main risks and expected benefits?
Are there alternatives to surgery?
Could the surgical plan change depending on the findings?
How long am I likely to stay in hospital?
What pain relief will I have afterwards?
When can I return to work, exercise, driving and sexual activity?
Are there any lifting or activity restrictions?
What symptoms should prompt medical review?
Who should I contact if I have concerns after discharge?
If you are having surgery for endometriosis, fibroids or an ovarian condition and future fertility is important to you, make sure your reproductive goals are part of the discussion.
Feeling informed about your surgery is an important part of shared decision-making.
Your preoperative checklist
Before your laparoscopy, make sure you've considered the following:
I understand what procedure is planned and why.
I've discussed the benefits, risks and alternatives.
My surgical team has reviewed my medications and relevant medical conditions.
I understand my fasting and preoperative instructions.
I've organised transport home and any necessary support.
I've planned time off work and help with everyday responsibilities.
My home is ready for the first few days of recovery.
I know what symptoms to expect after surgery.
I know which symptoms require medical attention.
I know who to contact if I have questions or concerns.
The takeaway
Preparing for surgery doesn't need to be complicated.
A little planning can help you feel more informed, reduce unnecessary stress and make the first few days of recovery easier.
Importantly, there is no one-size-fits-all recovery plan.
The advice you need will depend on your procedure, medical history, personal circumstances and the recommendations of your surgical team.
The aim isn't to have everything perfectly organised. It's to understand what to expect, feel confident asking questions and have the right support in place.
Good surgical care begins before the operation and continues throughout recovery.
Dr Anna Brownson
Gynaecologist | Endometriosis | Minimally Invasive Surgery
Explore The Surgical Recovery Playbook
Episode 01 — Before Your Laparoscopy
Preparing for surgery: what to organise, what to expect and questions to ask.
Coming next: Episode 02 — Your First 48 Hours After Laparoscopy
A practical guide to pain relief, mobilisation, bowel care and recovering at home.
Evidence and further reading
RANZCOG. Laparoscopy — Patient Information Pamphlet.
Health New Zealand. Laparoscopy: patient information.
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. Fasting before surgery.
ANZCA and partner organisations. Clinical Practice Recommendations: Periprocedural Use of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and GLP-1/GIP Receptor Co-agonists. April 2025.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Preparing for Surgery.
This article provides general information and does not replace personalised advice from your surgeon, anaesthetist or hospital.
