Cancer surgery normally involves the removal of the tumor and the surrounding infiltrated or affected tissue or lymph nodes. Depending on the type and stage of cancer the treatment given can be curative or palliative. Cancer surgery can require some days stay in the hospital and several weeks of recovery after you get back home, depending on the type of surgery used to treat the cancer and the type of cancer. Effects and recovery time will vary from patient to patient. Some of the less-invasive techniques used at the time of surgery, such as robotic surgery, may help speed up the recovery time of the patient but the age and overall health condition of the patient also plays a very important role.
Some simple precautions that are advised include getting the right diet and nutritional requirements. All food should be hygienically prepared and free from bacteria. It is advisable to avoid spicy and oily food as it might possibly trigger gastritis or irritation of the stomach which in turn can cause vomiting and acidity. It is essential to eat in spite of a decreased appetite which can be a side effect post surgery thus avoiding getting into the vicious circle of malnutrition. Frequent small meals can be taken which are rich in energy, vitamins and proteins. Ensure that drinking water is boiled or bottled. Sometimes cancer treatment can deplete water and electrolytes from the body. Hence it is essential to ensure that the patient is adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and juices. This also helps to flush out the toxins from the body. Practice of good oral and personal hygiene prevents against possible fungal, bacterial or viral infections. Rinsing the mouth or gargling with salt water is highly recommended after each meal. Similarly, personal hygiene should include daily bath, washing hands before and after eating and also after using the washroom, keeping the nails short, hair clean and so on. Walking is advisable to restore circulation and to strengthen breathing. Depending on the nature of the operation you can start walking slowly or briskly but this too is entirely depending on the tolerance levels of the patient. Preferably vigorous or strenuous activity should be avoided. Yoga, meditation and stress relieving exercises can prove to be helpful. Crowded places are best avoided for a while as there is a greater chance of catching an infection. A face mask with a filter is recommended especially in the case of patients suffering from leukemia as the chances are higher of contracting a respiratory disorder.
answered by G M