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How to Prepare for Laparoscopic Surgery

Complete Pre-Operative Checklist: Tests, Fasting, Medications, and What to Expect

Book Consultation: 0755-4260605About Dr. Rajesh Kanungo

Being Well-Prepared Makes a Difference

Good preparation before laparoscopic surgery leads to fewer complications, faster recovery, and better outcomes. At R.K. Hospital & Research Centre, our surgical team — led by Dr. Rajesh Kanungo (MBBS, MS, FIAGES, FMAS, FALS, DLS France) with anaesthesiologists Dr. V. Baveja (MBBS, MD) and Dr. M. Ali (MBBS, MD) — ensures every patient is thoroughly prepared before any procedure.

This guide covers everything you need to know from the day your surgery is scheduled to the day you arrive at the hospital.

Pre-Operative Tests You Will Need

Before any laparoscopic surgery, your surgeon and anaesthesiologist need to confirm that your body is fit for the procedure and general anaesthesia. R.K. Hospital has an in-house pathology lab (headed by Dr. Apoorva Tripathi) and diagnostic facilities for all pre-operative tests.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Checks haemoglobin, WBC count, platelets to rule out anaemia or infection

Blood Sugar (Fasting & PP)

Ensures diabetes is controlled before surgery

Kidney Function Tests

Urea and creatinine levels to check kidney health

Liver Function Tests

Important especially for gallbladder surgery

Blood Group & Rh Typing

Essential in case blood transfusion is needed

Coagulation Profile (PT/INR)

Ensures blood clots normally to prevent excess bleeding

Chest X-Ray

Checks lung condition before general anaesthesia

ECG

Heart rhythm check, especially for patients above 40 years

Urine Routine

Rules out urinary tract infection before surgery

Ultrasonography

Confirms diagnosis and surgical planning

Note: For patients above 40 or with heart/lung conditions, additional tests like echocardiography (ECO) or pulmonary function tests may be required. Our in-house facilities include ECO & Doppler and digital X-ray (300 MA).

Fasting Rules Before Surgery

Fasting before surgery is not optional — it is a critical safety requirement. When you are under general anaesthesia, your protective reflexes are suppressed. If there is food in your stomach, it can flow back into your throat and enter your lungs (aspiration), which is life-threatening.

Morning Surgery (8 AM - 12 PM)

No food or water after midnight (12 AM) the night before. You may brush your teeth but do not swallow water.

Afternoon Surgery (After 12 PM)

Light dinner the night before. A small, light breakfast (toast and tea only) at 6 AM. Nothing after 6 AM — no food, water, or chewing gum.

The anaesthesiologists at R.K. Hospital (Dr. V. Baveja and Dr. M. Ali) will give you specific fasting instructions based on your surgery time.

Medications to Stop or Adjust Before Surgery

Some medications can increase bleeding risk or interact with anaesthesia. Always inform your surgeon about every medicine, supplement, or herbal remedy you take. Here is general guidance:

Medication TypeWhen to StopNotes
Blood thinners (Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Warfarin)5-7 days beforeOnly on doctor's advice. Some heart patients may need bridging therapy.
NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Diclofenac)3-5 days beforeThese affect platelet function and increase bleeding.
Diabetes medicines / InsulinAdjust on surgery dayDo not take on morning of surgery. Doctor will manage blood sugar in hospital.
BP medicinesUsually continueTake with a small sip of water on surgery morning. Confirm with doctor.
Herbal supplements / Ayurvedic medicines1-2 weeks beforeMany herbs (garlic, ginger, ginkgo, turmeric supplements) affect bleeding.

NEVER stop any medication on your own. Always consult Dr. Rajesh Kanungo or the anaesthesiologist before making changes to your medications.

What to Bring to the Hospital

Documents

  • All pre-operative test reports and X-rays
  • Insurance card and policy documents
  • Government ID (Aadhaar card)
  • Previous medical records (if any)
  • List of current medications

Personal Items

  • Loose, comfortable clothing (avoid tight waistbands)
  • Slip-on shoes or slippers
  • Basic toiletries (toothbrush, towel)
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • A responsible family member as attendant

Do not bring: Valuables, jewellery, excessive cash. Remove nail polish and contact lenses before surgery. The hospital has a 24-hour pharmacy, so you do not need to buy medicines from outside.

What to Expect on Surgery Day

1

Arrival

Arrive at R.K. Hospital at the time specified (usually 1-2 hours before surgery). Complete admission formalities at reception. You will be assigned a bed and given a hospital gown.

2

Pre-Anaesthesia Check

The anaesthesiologist (Dr. V. Baveja or Dr. M. Ali) will review your reports one final time, check your vitals, and explain the anaesthesia process. An IV line will be started.

3

In the OT

You will be wheeled into the operation theatre. Monitors for heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen will be attached. General anaesthesia will be administered and you will be asleep during the entire procedure.

4

During Surgery

Dr. Rajesh Kanungo will perform the laparoscopic procedure through 3-4 small incisions (5-10 mm). The procedure typically takes 30-90 minutes depending on complexity.

5

Recovery Room

After surgery, you will be in the recovery area for 1-2 hours as the anaesthesia wears off. Nurses will monitor your vitals. You may feel groggy, have mild nausea, or shoulder tip pain (from the gas used in laparoscopy) — all normal.

6

Back in Room

Once stable, you will return to your room. Light liquids may be started 4-6 hours after surgery. Walking is encouraged within 6-8 hours after laparoscopic surgery.

Related Information

Laparoscopic Surgery at R.K. Hospital

Advanced keyhole surgery on Raisen Road, Indrapuri, Bhopal.

Best Surgeon in Bhopal

Dr. Rajesh Kanungo — 34 years experience, France-trained.

Dr. Rajesh Kanungo Profile

Qualifications, experience, procedures, and consultation timings.

Signs of Infection After Surgery

Know the warning signs to watch for after any surgical procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions — Laparoscopic Surgery Preparation

What tests are done before laparoscopic surgery?▾
Before laparoscopic surgery at R.K. Hospital, standard pre-operative tests include: Complete Blood Count (CBC), blood sugar (fasting and post-meal), kidney function tests (urea, creatinine), liver function tests, blood grouping and Rh typing, coagulation profile (PT/INR), chest X-ray, ECG (electrocardiogram), urine routine examination, and ultrasonography if not already done. For patients above 40 years or with pre-existing conditions, additional tests like echocardiography or thyroid profile may be ordered. Dr. V. Baveja or Dr. M. Ali (Anaesthesiology) will review all reports to ensure you are fit for anaesthesia.
How long do I need to fast before laparoscopic surgery?▾
You must fast (no food or water) for at least 6-8 hours before your scheduled laparoscopic surgery. Typically, if your surgery is in the morning, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. If surgery is in the afternoon, you may have a light breakfast early morning (6 AM) and nothing after that. This fasting is critical because food in the stomach during general anaesthesia can cause aspiration (food entering the lungs), which is life-threatening. Follow the exact timing given by the anaesthesiologist at R.K. Hospital.
Which medications should I stop before surgery?▾
Inform your surgeon and anaesthesiologist about ALL medications you take. Generally: blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin) must be stopped 5-7 days before surgery. Anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclofenac) should be stopped 3-5 days before. Diabetes medications and insulin may need dose adjustment on the day of surgery. Blood pressure medications are usually continued but confirm with the doctor. Herbal supplements and Ayurvedic medicines should be stopped 1-2 weeks before as some affect bleeding. NEVER stop any medication without consulting Dr. Rajesh Kanungo or the anaesthesiologist.
What should I bring to the hospital for laparoscopic surgery?▾
Bring the following to R.K. Hospital for your surgery: all pre-operative test reports and X-rays, your insurance card and policy documents (if applicable), government ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN), loose and comfortable clothing (avoid tight waistbands), basic toiletries, any regular medications you take, a mobile phone charger, and a family member or responsible attendant who can stay with you. Do not bring valuables or excessive cash. R.K. Hospital has a 24-hour medical store (pharmacy), so you do not need to buy medicines from outside.
How long will I stay in the hospital after laparoscopic surgery?▾
Most laparoscopic surgeries at R.K. Hospital require a hospital stay of 1-2 days. For laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), patients typically go home the next day. Laparoscopic hernia repair usually requires 1-2 days. Laparoscopic appendectomy may require 1-2 days. More complex procedures like bariatric surgery may require 3-4 days. The exact duration depends on your recovery, ability to eat, walk, and pass gas after surgery. Dr. Rajesh Kanungo will clear you for discharge only when he is confident you are recovering well.
Is laparoscopic surgery safe? What are the risks?▾
Laparoscopic surgery is very safe and is the gold standard for many abdominal procedures. At R.K. Hospital, Dr. Rajesh Kanungo has performed thousands of laparoscopic surgeries with excellent outcomes over 34 years. Like any surgery, there are small risks including bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs, and anaesthesia-related complications. However, compared to open surgery, laparoscopic surgery has significantly lower complication rates, less pain, faster recovery, and smaller scars. The anaesthesia team (Dr. V. Baveja and Dr. M. Ali) ensures your safety throughout the procedure with continuous monitoring.

Surgery Scheduled? We'll Guide You Every Step.

From pre-operative tests to post-surgery recovery — our team is with you throughout.

Dr. Rajesh Kanungo (Surgeon) | Dr. V. Baveja & Dr. M. Ali (Anaesthesiologists) | Est. 1994

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