Can I climb stairs after laparoscopic surgery? Navigating your recovery safely

September 30, 2025 •

5 min read

While modern laparoscopic surgery minimizes invasiveness, many patients still worry about simple tasks like navigating stairs. The good news is that most patients can climb stairs after laparoscopic surgery, but doing so safely and in moderation is key to a smooth recovery.

Quick Summary

Most patients can climb stairs in moderation soon after laparoscopic surgery, often within the first day or two. Key is to proceed slowly, listen to your body, and avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting. This gradual approach helps promote healing while preventing undue strain on the abdominal area.

Key Points

Start Slow: You can climb stairs soon after surgery, but take them one step at a time and move slowly to avoid strain.
Use Support: Always use a handrail to help stabilize yourself and reduce the weight and effort placed on your abdominal muscles.
Listen to Your Body: Pain is a signal to stop. If climbing causes increasing discomfort, rest and try again later.
Avoid Heavy Lifting: Do not carry anything heavy, such as children, groceries, or laundry, while climbing stairs during the initial recovery period.
Factor in Fatigue: It is normal to feel tired after surgery. If you feel fatigued or dizzy, do not attempt to climb stairs until you feel rested.
Avoid Rushing: Taking your time is essential to prevent falls and undue strain. Focus on your movement and be deliberate with each step.
Consult Your Doctor: Always follow the specific instructions provided by your surgical team, as individual recovery times can vary.

The Initial Recovery Phase: The First 48 Hours

Recovery begins immediately after your procedure, with most patients being discharged on the same day or the day after, depending on the complexity of the surgery. The first 24 to 48 hours are crucial for rest and allowing your body to start the healing process. During this time, it's normal to feel groggy, tired, and experience some pain, which may include shoulder or back pain from the gas used during the procedure. Movement is encouraged to prevent blood clots and aid in recovery, but it should be light and measured. Walking around the house for short periods is recommended. If you live in a multi-story home, you should be able to climb stairs during this period, but you must do so with extreme caution. The focus is on conserving energy and avoiding any activity that causes strain or discomfort.

Can I climb stairs after laparoscopic surgery? The short answer

Yes, in most cases, you can climb stairs after laparoscopic surgery, often as soon as you are discharged from the hospital. However, the crucial phrase to remember is "in moderation" and "taking it slowly". Your body's signals of pain and fatigue are the most important indicators of what you can and cannot do. It is not a race to return to full activity but a deliberate, slow, and gradual process to ensure your incisions heal properly and without complications. Pushing too hard, too fast, can lead to increased pain and potentially compromise the healing process.

How to Climb Stairs Safely After Laparoscopy

Pre-climb Preparation

Secure the path: Ensure the stairway is free of any clutter, rugs, or obstacles that could cause you to trip. Make sure the handrails are sturdy and reliable.
Listen to your body: Do not attempt to climb if you feel dizzy, excessively weak, or are experiencing a spike in pain. Wait until you feel stable and alert enough.
Gather necessary items: Before starting, make sure you have everything you need for the journey. This might mean having your phone, a drink, or medication ready so you don't have to make multiple trips.

Climbing Technique

One step at a time: Place one foot on the first step. Bring the other foot up to meet it on the same step. Do not use the "one foot per step" method you normally would. This reduces the strain on your core and abdominal muscles.
Use the handrail: Hold the handrail firmly. Using your arms for support will take pressure off your legs and abdominal area.
Lean and push, don't pull: As you ascend, use your arms to push yourself up rather than pulling. When descending, push your arms against the rail as you go down. This prevents unnecessary core muscle engagement.
Brace your core: Gently tightening your abdominal muscles, as if you were preparing for a light cough, can help support your core during movement. This is different from straining and should not cause pain.

What to Avoid

Heavy lifting: Carrying heavy objects up or down the stairs is strictly off-limits. A good rule of thumb is to avoid lifting anything heavier than 5-10 pounds for the first few weeks.
Rushing: Moving quickly can cause you to lose your balance and lead to a fall. Take your time and focus on each step.
Holding your breath: Avoid holding your breath or straining, as this can increase pressure in your abdomen.

Important Considerations During Your Recovery

Understanding Your Body's Signals

Fatigue is a common and expected symptom after surgery, and it can last for several weeks. If you feel tired, rest. Pushing through exhaustion will only prolong your recovery. Similarly, if climbing stairs causes sharp or increasing pain, it is a clear sign to stop and rest. Increased soreness the day after a task indicates you have overdone it and should scale back your activity level.

Other Activities to Avoid

Strenuous activities: High-impact exercises, jogging, or weight lifting are not permitted for at least several weeks. Walking is the best exercise during the initial recovery period.
Driving: Avoid driving while taking narcotic pain medication. Your surgeon will advise you when it is safe to resume driving.
Heavy chores: Vacuuming, lifting laundry, and moving furniture are too strenuous for the abdominal muscles during the early recovery period.

Comparing Activity Levels: Early vs. Later Recovery


Feature	First 1-2 Weeks (Early Recovery)	2-6 Weeks (Later Recovery)
Stair Climbing	Only as needed, in moderation. Use handrail, take one step at a time.	Gradual increase in speed and frequency. Still advised to proceed cautiously.
Overall Activity	Light walking around the house encouraged. Plenty of rest.	Light chores and increased walking permitted. Should be feeling better each day.
Lifting	Strictly limited to 5-10 pounds. Avoid straining.	Can increase lifting capacity based on surgeon's advice. Still avoid heavy objects.
Energy Levels	Significant fatigue is normal. May require naps.	Fatigue should gradually decrease, energy levels improving.
Bending/Stretching	Avoid sudden or deep bending. Light stretching is okay if pain-free.	More range of motion is possible. Still listen to your body.

What to Do If You Experience Pain

Minor soreness is to be expected, especially around the incisions and abdominal area, but it should gradually improve. If you experience sharp, severe, or increasing pain that is not relieved by your prescribed pain medication, it is important to contact your doctor. Pay close attention to your incisions for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, pus, or swelling. A fever higher than 100°F is also a reason to call your healthcare provider. Remember that recovery timelines vary, and your specific symptoms and surgical procedure determine your individual healing path.

Conclusion: Listen to Your Body and Proceed with Caution

In summary, while it is generally safe to climb stairs after laparoscopic surgery, the key to a successful recovery is caution, moderation, and listening to your body's signals. Use proper technique, including taking one step at a time and using the handrail, to minimize strain on your abdominal muscles. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks, and be patient with your body's healing process. If you have any questions or experience unusual symptoms, always consult with your surgeon, as their guidance is tailored to your unique condition. For more information on general post-operative care, consider visiting a reputable resource like the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients can climb stairs as soon as they are discharged from the hospital, which can be the same day or the day after surgery. You must, however, proceed slowly and cautiously.

It is not inherently dangerous if done correctly and in moderation. The main risk is straining your abdominal muscles or losing your balance. By moving slowly and using the handrail, you can minimize these risks.

The safest method involves using the handrail for support and taking one step at a time. Place one foot on the next step, then bring the other foot up to meet it before proceeding to the next step.

Carrying heavy objects, including a child or heavy bag, while climbing stairs can put significant strain on your abdominal incisions and core muscles, potentially increasing the risk of complications like a hernia. It is best to avoid lifting anything over 10 pounds during early recovery.

If you feel sharp or increasing pain, stop and rest. Listen to your body's signals, as pain indicates you are overexerting yourself. You may need to wait longer or slow down your pace.

Shoulder pain is a common side effect of the CO2 gas used to inflate your abdomen during surgery and is not typically caused by climbing stairs. This pain usually subsides within a few days.

Your ability to climb stairs normally depends on your overall recovery. While you can usually manage them cautiously from day one, you should feel more confident and less fatigued after the first week or two. Full, normal activity may take several weeks.