Laparoscopy, commonly known as keyhole surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses small incisions and specialized instruments to examine or treat internal organs. Although recovery is generally faster than traditional open surgery, patients still face a period of reduced mobility immediately following the operation. Compression stockings are a standard part of the recovery process, providing mechanical support to the circulatory system during this time.
The Mechanism of Preventing Blood Clots
Post-surgical immobility increases the risk of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). VTE includes Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)—a blood clot forming in a deep vein, usually in the legs—and Pulmonary Embolism (PE), which occurs if a clot travels to the lungs. During and after laparoscopy, anesthesia, surgical stress, and reduced movement cause blood flow to slow down, increasing the chance of blood pooling in the lower extremities.
Compression stockings counteract this stagnation by applying gentle, graduated pressure to the legs. The pressure is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases further up the leg. This gradient physically squeezes the veins, increasing the velocity of blood flow back toward the heart. Promoting this faster return minimizes the opportunity for clot formation. For abdominal surgeries, the creation of pneumoperitoneum (inflating the abdomen with gas) can increase resistance to venous return, which the stockings also help mitigate.
Standard Duration Guidelines After Laparoscopy
The general recommendation for wearing compression stockings following a laparoscopic procedure is determined by the time it takes for the patient to return to normal mobility. For many minor laparoscopic surgeries, patients are advised to wear the stockings continuously, day and night, until they are mobile and discharged from the hospital. Once home, the duration often ranges from a minimum of two days up to two weeks.
A common recommendation is to wear the stockings for approximately 10 days after discharge to ensure continued protection. For less invasive procedures, a timeframe of two to four weeks may be advised if the patient has other risk factors. The stockings should be worn 24 hours a day initially, only being removed for brief periods for bathing or skin checks, until a healthcare provider advises switching to daytime-only wear.
Individual Factors Determining When to Stop
The exact length of time a patient needs to wear compression stockings is not a fixed universal rule and depends heavily on an individual risk assessment. One of the most significant factors is the patient’s level of mobility after surgery; those who can move around and walk regularly are often able to discontinue use sooner than those who remain largely sedentary. Movement helps to naturally stimulate circulation, reducing the dependency on external compression.
Pre-existing medical conditions also play a large role in the duration of use. Patients with a history of blood clots, obesity, advanced age, or specific medical conditions like cancer or certain clotting disorders may be advised to wear the stockings for an extended period, possibly several weeks. Furthermore, the complexity and specific type of laparoscopic procedure performed, such as a more extensive abdominal surgery or a longer operating time, can elevate the risk and necessitate a longer duration of prophylactic compression. The final decision to stop wearing the stockings must be made in consultation with the surgeon or discharging physician who can evaluate the patient’s personalized risk profile and recovery progress.
Proper Application and Safety Checks
For the stockings to be effective and safe, they must be worn correctly. The fit should be smooth and completely free of wrinkles, as creases can create areas of excessive pressure that may injure the skin or impede circulation. Patients should check their skin daily, particularly over bony areas like the heel and ankle, for any signs of irritation, redness, or pressure sores.
The stockings should be put on first thing in the morning when the legs are least swollen, and can be removed briefly for hygiene, such as bathing. It is important never to roll the top of the stocking down, as this doubles the elastic tension and can create a constricting band that compromises blood flow. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe pain, numbness, a sudden increase in swelling below the stocking line, or discoloration of the toes.