T.B. undergoes a successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy the next morning. An intraoperative cholangiogram shows that the ducts
are finally cleared of stones at the conclusion of the surgery. When he returns to the nursing unit, his stomach is soft but quite distended. His wife asks you whether anything is wrong. 10. How will you respond to her question
This is completely normal. To perform the laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon uses CO2 gas to insufflate the abdomen and allow room to maneuver the laparoscopic instruments. Her husband's body will quickly and safely absorb the gas in a day or so.
