Oct
Laparoscopic surgeries are an effective and easier approach to procedures such as hysterectomies, ovarian cyst removal, and treatment for endometriosis. Rather than making a large cut into the abdomen and through muscle and tissue, a tiny incision is made. Through the incision, the doctor inserts thin instruments and a camera that allows him to view the internal organs while he performs the procedure. Many physicians and patients prefer the minimally invasive approach because there is less risk, less scarring, and less recovery time.
Because it is still surgery, anesthesia will be used. Therefore, patients will need to avoid food and drink for at least eight hours before the surgery. Patients should also discuss their current medications with their physician, as they may need to be altered. The physician will explain whether the procedure will be done on an outpatient basis or if an overnight stay is expected. However, even if it is an outpatient procedure, the patient will not be able to drive.
Following the procedure, the patient will be kept in a recovery room while her vitals are monitored. Recovery from a laparoscopic procedure is far easier than recovery from a traditional abdominal surgery. However, the patient may experience some pain where the incision was made. This can be managed by taking an over-the-counter or prescription pain reliever. Patients may also experience discomfort in the shoulder because of the use of carbon dioxide gas used during the procedure. When the anesthesia wears off and the patient is ready to go home, the physician will discharge her to a trusted family member or friend.
Recovery from the procedure will continue at home for the next several days. The patient should be sure to rest and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity. Most patients are able to return to work and their daily activities after one to two weeks.
Dr. Taryll Jenkins of Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine has been helping his Katy-area patients find relief from pain and discomfort with minimally invasive surgical approaches for many years. For more information about what to expect during and after laparoscopic surgeries, call the Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine today.
We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all
stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L.
Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of
Medicine from Meharry
Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the
University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.
Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological
Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie
Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today,
she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with
high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive
volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program
in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.
Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.
Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her
Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University
of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the
Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive
years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior
Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee
Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local
and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.
Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.