Laparoscopy is a very safe technique overall. However, as with any operation involving cuts in the tummy, there are risks of bleeding, infection and causing damage to structures such as bowel or bladder. When energy sources such as electricity (known as electrocautery) are used in the tummy during the operation, it is also possible for nearby structures to be inadvertently injured by the heat that is generated. Some of the gas used to inflate the tummy during laparoscopy often remains in the tummy for a short time afterwards and may cause temporary pain in the tips of the shoulders.
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