How long does the air stay in your body after surgery? A guide to post-operative gas and discomfort

September 22, 2025 •

5 min read

After undergoing minimally invasive surgery, such as a laparoscopy, a common side effect is post-operative gas or bloating. Patients often worry, "how long does the air stay in your body after surgery?" The answer is directly tied to the type of gas used and the surgical method itself.

Quick Summary

The gas used in laparoscopic surgery is mostly absorbed within 24 to 48 hours, though some residual discomfort can last up to a week. Full resolution times vary by patient and procedure type, with gas from open surgery dissipating over a longer period.

Key Points

Laparoscopic vs. Open Surgery: The type of surgery determines the gas. Laparoscopic surgery uses carbon dioxide (CO2), while open surgery may trap atmospheric air.
Rapid Resolution with Laparoscopy: Most CO2 from laparoscopic surgery is absorbed and cleared by the body within 24–48 hours, though mild discomfort can last up to a week.
Slower Absorption with Open Surgery: Atmospheric air trapped after open surgery can take one to two weeks, or sometimes longer, to be fully absorbed.
Referred Shoulder Pain is Normal: Gas irritating the diaphragm after laparoscopic surgery can cause referred pain felt in the shoulders and neck, which resolves as the gas dissipates.
Movement and Hydration are Key: Walking gently and staying well-hydrated are the most effective ways to encourage the body to absorb and expel the trapped gas.
Contact Your Doctor for Severe Symptoms: While normal, severe or persistent pain, fever, or increased abdominal swelling should be reported to your surgeon to rule out complications.

What is post-operative gas?

During surgery, air or gas may be introduced into a body cavity for a variety of reasons, depending on the procedure. This is most common in laparoscopic surgery, but can also occur with open surgery. After the procedure is complete, some of this gas may remain, causing feelings of bloating, pressure, and discomfort.

The two types of post-operative gas

There is a crucial distinction between the two types of gas that can remain in your body after surgery:

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) from Laparoscopy: For minimally invasive, or 'keyhole,' surgery, surgeons insufflate—or pump—the abdominal cavity with CO2 gas. This inflates the abdomen, separating the organs to provide a clearer view and more working room for surgical instruments. The body readily absorbs CO2 because it is a natural metabolic byproduct.
Atmospheric Air from Open Surgery: After an open surgery, atmospheric air can become trapped in the body cavities. Since the body does not absorb the nitrogen in atmospheric air as easily as CO2, it can linger for a longer period.

Timelines for gas resolution based on surgery type

The duration of post-operative gas depends heavily on whether you had a laparoscopic or open procedure. These are general timelines, and individual recovery can vary.

Laparoscopic surgery gas timeline

24 to 48 hours: The majority of the CO2 gas is rapidly absorbed by your body and exhaled by your lungs within the first two days after surgery. Many patients will notice a significant improvement in bloating and pressure during this time.
3 to 7 days: While the bulk of the gas is gone quickly, some patients may experience lingering discomfort or gas-related pain for up to a week. This can often present as referred pain in the shoulders and neck.
Beyond 7 days: It is rare for CO2 gas to cause significant issues past the first week. If severe gas pain persists, it is important to consult your doctor to rule out other complications.

Open surgery gas timeline

One to two weeks: Because the trapped gas is atmospheric air, which is less soluble in the blood, it can take longer for the body to absorb it. Patients may experience bloating and discomfort for one to two weeks, or even longer in some cases.
Several weeks: In rare instances, gas from open surgery can persist for longer than two weeks. Any persistent or severe symptoms warrant a follow-up with your surgeon.

Symptoms of trapped gas

The discomfort from trapped post-operative gas is not a consistent, dull pain. It can manifest in several distinct ways:

Abdominal Bloating and Pressure: The most obvious symptom is a distended, tight, or bloated feeling in the abdomen.
Referred Shoulder Pain: This is a hallmark symptom of gas left over from laparoscopic procedures. As the CO2 irritates the diaphragm, it can stimulate the phrenic nerve, which is connected to nerves in the shoulder. The brain interprets the pain signal as originating in the shoulder, causing discomfort.
Sharp, Cramping Pains: Many patients experience sharp, sporadic cramping as the gas moves through the body.
Excessive Burping or Flatulence: As your body absorbs and processes the residual gas, you may notice an increase in burping or flatulence as the body expels it through the digestive tract.

How to relieve post-operative gas pain

Several methods can help alleviate the discomfort caused by trapped gas. Always follow your surgeon's specific post-operative instructions first.

Movement and activity

Gentle Walking: Walking is one of the most effective ways to help your digestive system start moving again. Short, frequent walks around the house can significantly help trapped gas pass through your system.
Changing Positions: Lying down flat can worsen pain. Try sitting upright, or lying on your side with your knees bent toward your chest, to help shift the gas.

Dietary and fluid intake adjustments

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for keeping your digestive system active and reducing bloating.
Warm Liquids: Hot tea, especially peppermint or ginger tea, can help relax the digestive muscles and soothe discomfort.
Avoid Gassy Foods: For the first few days, avoid foods known to cause bloating, such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and carbonated beverages.

Medications and other remedies

Over-the-Counter Gas Relief: Some over-the-counter medications, like simethicone (e.g., Gas-X), are designed to break down gas bubbles and may be recommended by your doctor.
Heat Pack: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to your abdomen can help relax the muscles and ease gas pain. Remember to wrap the heat pack in a towel to protect your skin.

When to contact your doctor

While gas pain is a normal part of recovery, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious issue. You should contact your surgical team if you experience any of the following:

Severe, persistent pain that does not improve with movement or medication.
Fever, chills, or any signs of infection.
Nausea and vomiting that does not subside.
Increasing abdominal swelling or hardness.
Chest pain or shortness of breath.

Comparison of gas from laparoscopic vs. open surgery


Feature	Laparoscopic Surgery	Open Surgery
Gas Type	Carbon Dioxide (CO2)	Atmospheric Air
Resolution Timeline	24-48 hours for most, up to a week for all discomfort	1-2 weeks or longer
Solubility	Very soluble in blood; quickly absorbed by body	Less soluble; takes longer to be absorbed
Common Symptoms	Shoulder tip pain, bloating, pressure	Abdominal bloating, general pressure
Relief	Gentle movement, peppermint tea, heat packs	Gentle movement, staying hydrated

Conclusion: A temporary but manageable discomfort

Understanding what to expect with post-operative gas can help you navigate recovery with less anxiety. For most laparoscopic patients, the CO2 gas dissipates within a couple of days, leaving behind only minimal, temporary discomfort. For those undergoing open surgery, the process is slower but follows a predictable path toward recovery. By following your medical team's advice, incorporating gentle movement, and managing your diet, you can effectively minimize the discomfort and focus on healing.

For more detailed information on managing post-operative pain, including gas discomfort, reputable health organizations provide excellent resources. For example, WashU's bladder and pelvic health section offers guidance on bowel function after surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surgeons use carbon dioxide (CO2) gas to inflate the abdominal cavity during laparoscopic surgery. This creates a larger, clearer working space and allows for greater visibility and maneuverability of instruments.

No, the gas used in surgery is not permanently trapped. The body naturally absorbs and eliminates both CO2 and atmospheric air over time. Persistent or severe pain is typically not from trapped gas and warrants medical consultation.

The shoulder pain, which is caused by residual CO2 gas irritating the diaphragm, generally subsides as the gas is absorbed. This usually takes a few days, aligning with the 24–48 hour timeframe for most gas to resolve.

It's best to start with a light diet of liquids and soft foods and avoid foods that cause gas, such as beans, broccoli, and carbonated drinks. This helps ease your digestive system and prevents additional gas buildup.

Yes, gentle walking is one of the most effective strategies. The movement helps to stimulate bowel motility, encouraging the passage of gas. Combining it with heat therapy can provide additional relief.

Over-the-counter medications like simethicone can help break down gas bubbles and may be recommended by your doctor. However, their effectiveness can vary, and you should always consult your surgical team before taking any new medication.

If gas pain is accompanied by a fever, persistent nausea, increasing abdominal swelling, or chest pain, you should contact your doctor immediately. These symptoms could signal a complication that requires prompt medical attention.