Brief Answer:
The crackling sensation you describe is called crepitus and is common

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I would be happy to answer your question today.

During laparoscopy, your abdomen is inflated with CO2 gas to allow the surgeons to see your organs clearly to perform the operation.

In some cases, especially if you are thin or if you had a long operation, the pressurized gas can track under your skin, which literally produces bubbles in your subcutaneous tissue. This feels kind-of like bubble wrap and crackles when you press on it. The term for this condition is called crepitus. It typically occurs around the area where you have a laparoscopic incision, which I assume you do in your right lower pelvis as it is part of the standard trocar (the device through which the instruments are placed) placement for a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

There is no reason to worry about feeling crepitus in the first few days after surgery. The gas will be re-absorbed by your body, but it can even take a few weeks for that to happen. "Popping" the bubbles may increase pain, so I suggest you try to avoid pressing on the area especially if you have more postoperative pain on that side.

If you did have blood under your skin, it would either ooze out of your incisions, or you would see purple bruising underneath the skin.

So in summary, the crepitus you feel under your skin is common after laparoscopic surgery and is not harmful. It will likely resolve within a week or two at the most, and it does not indicate any complication from the surgery.

I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that my advice was helpful. If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes for your recovery,

Dr. Brown

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