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Warning-sign checks

Diagnostic laparoscopy: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, collapse, or sudden swelling and pain in one leg.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your surgical team promptly for worsening pain, increasing redness or swelling, pus from an incision, persistent vomiting, difficulty passing urine, fever, increasing abdominal swelling or inability to keep fluids down.

    Seek urgent medical assessment for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or a wound that opens.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    These may indicate a serious complication and must not wait for routine follow-up.

    For mild soreness, bruising or dressing questions, use the routine contact details provided at discharge.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Diagnostic laparoscopy. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.