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General health information

Laparoscopy

Keyhole surgery in the abdomen is called laparoscopy. The doctor examines or operates through small cuts in the abdominal wall. It may be used for gallbladder problems, appendicitis, endometriosis or investigating abdominal symptoms. Although the wounds are small, it remains surgery with risks such as bleeding, infection and organ damage. Afterwards, watch for fever, increasing abdominal pain, difficulty breathing and wound problems.

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  • Keyhole surgery in the abdomen is called laparoscopy.
  • Small cuts allow doctors to look inside the abdomen or provide treatment directly.
  • Despite the small wounds, it remains an operation involving general anaesthesia and risks.
  • Afterwards, watch for increasing abdominal pain, fever, difficulty breathing and wound problems.
  • Outside office hours, call HAP 9252 for urgent GP care. Call 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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Caesarean birthA caesarean is an operation in which a baby is born through cuts in the abdomen and womb. It may be planned or performed as an emergency. Good preparation, getting moving early, wound care and watching for warning signs are important. Call a doctor for heavy bleeding, fever, increasing wound pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain, a swollen red leg or feeling rapidly more unwell.
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Group A strep bacteriaGroup A streptococcus, often shortened to GAS or strep A, is a bacterium that can cause throat infections, scarlet fever and skin infections. Most infections can be treated well, but sometimes the bacteria enter deeper parts of the body and cause severe illness such as necrotising fasciitis, streptococcal shock or sepsis. Watch for rapidly increasing pain, rapid deterioration, confusion, breathing difficulty and someone who looks very ill.
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Bowel endoscopyAn examination inside your bowel is usually called a colonoscopy. A doctor uses a flexible camera to examine the large bowel and sometimes the last part of the small bowel. Preparation varies between hospitals and is essential for a good examination. After sedation, you usually must not drive yourself. Call a doctor for severe abdominal pain, increasing bleeding, fever or feeling clearly worse after the examination.