Procedure prep
Fasting Before a Diagnostic Laparoscopy
A diagnostic laparoscopy is a "keyhole" look inside your abdomen or pelvis, using a thin camera through one or two small cuts to find the cause of pain or other problems. It is usually a day-case procedure, so most people go home the same day.
Fasting for this procedure
→ Get your exact fasting times with the calculator
Medicines to check
- Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto) — see medications to stop.
- Diabetes medicines & insulin — they need a plan. See diabetes tablets.
- Blood pressure medicines — confirm which to take with a sip of water.
- Estrogen-containing pills or HRT — these can raise clot risk, so ask whether to pause them before surgery.
- Iron tablets & some supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, herbal remedies) — ask your team, as some can affect bleeding.
When this surgery may be delayed
- Fever, a new cough/cold, or a chest infection
- Vomiting or diarrhea in the days before surgery
- A positive or unknown pregnancy test
- Not following the fasting instructions (eating or drinking too close to surgery)
- Taking a blood thinner that should have been stopped
Reports & documents to carry
- Photo ID and your insurance or hospital paperwork
- A current list of all your medicines, doses, and allergies
- Any relevant scans or test results (ultrasound, CT, blood tests)
- Comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to change into and out of
- A responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours after general anesthesia
What to ask your anesthesia team
- What time should I stop eating and drinking, based on my arrival time?
- Which of my regular medicines should I take or hold on the day?
- Will I go home the same day, and do I need someone to drive me?
- Could you need to do more than just look — for example, treat something you find?
- How long does the shoulder-tip pain from the gas usually last, and what can I take for it?
Your prep checklist
Tick things off as you sort them — saved on this device only, nothing is sent anywhere.
A general guide — your hospital's own instructions always come first.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my shoulder hurt after a laparoscopy?
During the procedure, a small amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas is used to gently inflate your abdomen so the surgeon can see clearly. Afterward, leftover gas can irritate the nerve near your diaphragm and cause referred pain in the shoulder tips, which usually settles within 1-2 days. Gentle walking, warmth, and simple pain relief help; ask your team what is right for you.
Will I go home the same day?
A diagnostic laparoscopy is usually a day-case procedure, so most people go home a few hours after they wake up and can eat and drink. Because you have had general anesthesia, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you overnight. Your team will confirm your plan before you leave.
Why do I need a pregnancy test before this?
If there is any chance you could be pregnant, the team will do a pregnancy test, usually a urine sample, on the day of surgery. This is a routine safety step because anesthesia, the gas, and the procedure could affect an early pregnancy. It is standard for everyone who could be pregnant, so please don't feel singled out.
How big are the cuts and will I have scars?
Keyhole surgery uses one or two very small cuts, often near the belly button, usually closed with dissolvable stitches or skin glue. Scars are typically small and fade over time. Your team will tell you how to care for the wounds and when you can shower.