Recovering from Laparoscopic surgery

[Kate987]

Hey all,
First off Happy Thanksgiving!
I just had a dermoid removed from my left ovary yesterday via laparoscopic surgery.  The gyno cut my ovary and the tumor came right out.  He made another cut over my right ovary and everything looks good! So needless to say I am very greatful.  I am just having some gas pains which are making me uncomfortable, but that's it so far.  I do have one question, I have normal bandaids over my stitches that look a little blood soaked, I was wondering if anyone had any words of wisdom as far as changing them and if I should neosporin on them or not.  
I hope everyone is having a nice holiday/day depending on where you are!
-Kaitlin

[Kate987]

Hey ladies,
Thanks for your responses.  I'll have to be more specific as far as the bandages they gave me.  I never have had surgery until this one, so I'm not sure what the names are of bandages, but I'll tell you about them the best I can.  I have an incision above my belly button that just said a normal bandaid on it, like the kind you put on when you get a paper cut.  I removed that one this morning because there were two blisters next to the incision site, and put some gauze over the blisters so it'd drain into the bandage instead of in the site.  Over each ovary there is an incision and there is a white gauze like strip over the stitches, and then a normal bandage.  The gyno who did my surgery didn't have any real opinions  as far as what I should do with the bandaids, but the hospital called and told me I could take the bandaids off if they look grungy.  Only the bandage on my belly button is off at this point in time.  Thank you for the advice, I hope this clears up things a bit.

[cirella]

Hi, I was wondering if what you are calling bandaids are the steri strips they use to keep the incision together? If they are, then it's best to leave them for about 2 weeks. My biggest incision was bleeding a bit the day of surgery and maybe the day after and we put a gause on it covered by tecka derm (sp). When it was not bleeding anylonger we took that dressing off and let it be.

And, I agree with SimplyStar, no ointment on the incisions.

Take care,
Lori

[SimplyStar]

if you do have to change the bandaides  hydogen peroxide would be best to cleanse the areas with  then make sure the site is dry before putting on another bandaide  I wouldn't use any neo sporin till the area is dried out more and not seeping serous drainage.   when you can during the day  let some air get to the incisions  If you walk  around as much as possible the gas will move.  didn't the hospital give you going home instructions for incision care.