A common gastrointestinal problem that can occur with any abdominal surgery, including laparoscopic surgery, is an ileus, which is a temporary stoppage of your bowel functions. This usually occurs after laparoscopic surgery due to the anesthesia or other medications, or because your bowel was touched and/or moved during the surgery.

 

The bowels are actually your intestines, which begin at the end of the stomach and end at the anus. If your bowel function slows temporarily after the procedure, you will be given clear liquids until your bowel function returns. The passage of gas usually signifies normal bowel functions. In rare cases, the ileus may need to be treated with a tube in the stomach or by a second surgery.