Surgery is one of the primary treatments that are used to treat various kinds of cancers. During this procedure the surgeon uses some cutting tools to remove the cancer and some healthy tissue around it. However, the success of surgery not only depends on the procedure itself but also on proper post-operative care. If you are willing for a surgery for cancer you can book an appointment with the doctor who practices surgical oncology in Siliguri.
No matter what kind of surgery you have it can be physically and emotionally stressful. Knowing what to expect after surgery is important as it helps you to feel less anxious and it also helps to prepare your family as well. The initial days after surgery often involve hospital monitoring, where doctors assess your overall health. Once you are discharged from hospital you must continue following medical advice at home for a smooth recovery.
Some of the things you can expect after surgery involve the following:
Hospital recovery room:
Immediately after your surgery, you will be transferred from the operation theatre to the nearby recovery room where there are trained staff and medical monitoring equipment. In some of the hospitals, the area is also known as a recovery ward or post-anaesthesia care unit. If some people need a high level of care after surgery they might be transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU) or high dependency unit (HDU). This allows the doctor to closely monitor the overall health of the patients, identify the problems and treat them early. However, the doctor will inform you before surgery if you are likely to be transferred to these units.
Tubes and drains:
After your surgery, you might witness some tubes or drains attached to your body. Some of them include;
- Drip (intravenous infusion): This is attached in your hand or arms which help to supply fluids until you can eat and drink normally. This might be attached for a few hours or a few days, depending on the surgery.
- Tube (drain): This is usually placed in your wounds which help to drain excess fluid into a small bottle.
- Small tube (catheter): This is attached to your bladder to drain out the urine and it is usually removed when you start walking after surgery.
- Nasogastric tube: This tube is attached in your nose and goes down into the stomach. It helps to remove fluid from the stomach until bowel function returns to normal.
Helps you with the recovery process:
If you are willing to undergo surgery you can book an appointment with one of the best surgical oncologists in Siliguri. The doctor not only performs surgery but also helps you with the recovery process. Some of the ways include;
Pain management:
You might worry about pain after your surgery and it may vary depending on the type of surgery, your tolerance level, and your overall health condition. To relieve any pain or discomfort the doctor might prescribe painkillers. The doctor also teaches you alternative pain relief methods such as deep breathing exercises, guided meditation, etc which help you to reduce discomfort. You will also be encouraged to get up and move around as it reduces the risk of complications and helps you recover more quickly.
Eating and drinking:
Most of the people can start eating and drinking either the same day or the day after surgery. Some patients are given soup before progressing to plain foods, while others receive nutrition through a drip for a short while rather than eating. If the cancer affects your digestive system you need to follow the dietician’s advice about eating and drinking.
When leaving hospital:
Test results:
If you have a day surgery, you will be discharged from hospital after you leave the recovery room. While leaving from the hospital the doctor will give you scan and test results, instructions about recovering at home, and guidelines about when to contact your doctor.
Ask questions:
The doctor will give you information about your care so you can continue to recover safely. Along with this you can also ask questions before you are discharged. Consider asking about pain management, wound care, mobility restrictions, dietary guidelines, etc. With clear communication you can also manage medications side effects and the need for follow-up treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.
Conclusion:
No matter what kind of surgery you have, it will probably make you feel tired and anxious. Knowing what to expect can help you to plan accordingly. If you are willing to manage the symptoms of cancer you need to visit a doctor who practices surgical oncology in Siliguri. However, the success of surgery depends on the procedure and proper post-operative care. Immediately after your surgery, you are shifted to the hospital room and the doctor will assess your overall health to identify the conditions and manage complications. The doctor will also help you with the recovery process with pain management, eating and drinking, etc.
