What to Expect When Recovering From Major Abdominal Surgery

Recovering After Abdominal Surgery: What to Expect

Abdominal surgery is a major procedure that requires proper recovery time for healing and avoiding complications. If you are having an operation like hysterectomy, bowel resection, hernia repair or bariatric surgery, you can expect a significant recovery period with belly stitches and pain management needs.

This article will cover what to expect after common abdominal operations. Learn about wound care, activity restrictions, pain levels, risks to watch for and tips to make your recovery as smooth as possible after major stomach surgery.

Understanding Your Abdominal Incisions

The first aspect of recovery is understanding your abdominal incisions and how to care for them properly. The type and number of cuts made depends on the surgery.

A single horizontal incision across the bikini line is common for hysterectomies, bladder procedures and bowel resections. Vertical cuts from sternum to pubic bone may be used for aortic aneurysm operations. Laparoscopic techniques use only small keyhole incisions.

However accessed, the abdominal cavity has a dense network of blood vessels, nerves, organs and tissues. Excellent wound closure and prevention of post-op infection is crucial.

Your surgeon will close each layer of tissue, fascia and skin precisely with dissolvable sutures. Steri-strips or medical glue reinforce the closure. The wounds should be sealed and require minimal direct care.

Expect Moderate Drainage and Bruising

It’s normal to see some clear or light bloody drainage on the dressings or stitches as tissues heal. Redness, mild swelling and bruising around the cuts is also common.

Report any increase in redness, heat, swelling or foul-smelling drainage as these could indicate infection. Fever over 101 F, nausea and chills may also be signs of infection requiring antibiotics.

Monitor wounds closely and contact your doctor if pain worsens or you see cause for concern around the incision sites.

Watch for Signs of Hematoma

Hematomas are pockets of blood that accumulate around an incision. They usually result from a bleeding vessel not being properly cauterized.

Signs of a hematoma include increased swelling, bruising, and pain on one side of the incision. Small hematomas may be reabsorbed. Large ones can apply pressure to tissues and require drainage.

Catching a hematoma early allows for a quick fix before it becomes a complex fluid collection. Notify your surgeon of any suspicious swelling or fluid build up near incisions.

Manage Post-Op Pain Effectively

Expect to experience significant pain and discomfort during your abdominal surgery recovery. The first few days are usually the most painful as tissues inflamed during surgery heal.

Your doctor will prescribe narcotic pain relievers to take for the first 5-7 days when pain is severe. As pain improves, over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can manage discomfort.

Don’t let pain go unchecked as it can inhibit deep breathing and cause complications. Use medication as directed and consider techniques like cold packs, relaxation, and gentle movement to further alleviate pain.

Prevent Constipation with Stool Softeners

A very common side effect after abdominal surgery is constipation. Anesthesia, pain meds and inactivity all contribute to slowed bowels.

Straining to pass hard stools can be very painful and even damage delicate healing tissues. Stay ahead of constipation with stool softeners, laxatives, ample hydration and high fiber foods once tolerated.

Don’t let embarrassment stop you from asking for help with constipation. It’s a normal issue that your care team can help fix with medications or enemas if needed.

Use Supportive Devices as Directed

Depending on the procedure, you may be prescribed medical devices to support healing. These may include:

• Elastic abdominal binder to limit swelling and provide comfort
• Hernia belt or abdominal brace to protect repair sites
• Surgical drains to remove fluid buildup
• Urinary catheter to rest bladder after hysterectomy

Use devices exactly as instructed. Improper use can hinder healing. Communicate any issues like pain or difficulties so devices can be adjusted as needed.

Expect Activity Restrictions After Surgery

Recovering after major abdominal surgery requires avoiding strenuous activity to allow proper internal healing.

Typically you will need to restrict lifting, bending, twisting or straining for 4-6 weeks. Your doctor will advise when you can start adding more activity based on your progress.

Walking short distances is encouraged to prevent pneumonia and blood clots. Take it slow and listen when your body says to rest.

Guard Against Lung Congestion

Anesthesia, medications and being relatively immobile can all contribute to lung congestion after surgery. this increases risks of pneumonia and atelectasis.

Practice deep breathing exercises every 1-2 hours throughout the day. Use a spirometer breathing device as directed. Move around as much as possible within your restrictions.

Report symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain or coughing up phlegm which could indicate lung problems. Prompt treatment prevents serious complications.

Prevent Dangerous Blood Clots

Patients recovering from abdominal surgery have increased risks of developing blood clots, also called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Clots most often form in the legs.

Your medical team will have you use compression stockings, alternating leg pumps or medications to improve circulation in the lower body.

Report any unexplained calf swelling or pain. Catching clots early is vital to avoid complications like pulmonary embolism. Don’t dismiss leg pain as normal postoperative achiness.

Beware Complications from Anesthesia

General anesthesia provides essential pain control but also comes with risks of side effects like:

• Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth
• Sore throat from intubation tube
• Dizziness, headaches, confusion
• Itching skin, rash
• Respiratory depression

Report any concerning anesthesia-related symptoms promptly so supportive treatment can be provided. Stay ahead of nausea with medications.

Avoid Falls and Added Injuries

Between anesthesia side effects, pain medication and mobility limitations, you are at increased risks of falls after surgery.

Take it very slow when getting up. Have someone assist you as needed. Use rails and ambulatory devices for added stability.

Falling could result in significant injury that sets back your recovery. Be cautious moving about to prevent dangerous tumbles.

Watch Nutrition and Hydration Needs

Adequate nutrition and hydration is essential after surgery, but nausea, loss of appetite and fatigue can make this difficult.

Follow recommended diets to ensure proper healing. Sip on electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated. As your appetite returns, emphasize high protein foods to help wound repair.

If you cannot stomach solid foods, request anti-nausea medication. Intravenous fluids may be needed if unable to stay hydrated.

Expect Emotional Reactions

After a major abdominal operation, patients often experience emotional ups and downs. You may feel grateful, optimistic, anxious, irritable, depressed orweepy at different stages.

This emotional rollercoaster is normal with the physical stress of surgery, medication effects and change in independence. Be patient with yourself and share feelings with your support team.

Develop a Recovery Routine

Having a consistent daily routine during recovery helps things run more smoothly. Plan to:

• Get up, showered and dressed at the same time
• Take medications and change dressings on schedule
• Do light walking 3 times a day
• Perform deep breathing exercises hourly
• Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated
• Alternate activity and rest periods

Routines create stability amid the ups and downs of recovery. They also ensure important self-care isn’t missed.

Be Patient with the Healing Process

It’s easy to get frustrated that healing seems slow. Remind yourself that rest and time are crucial. Avoid comparing your progress to others.

Set small achievable goals each day. Focus on what you can control like diet, medication compliance and light walking.

Communicate any worries to your care team. Draw comfort from the fact that each day brings you closer to full recovery.

Recovery Brings Hope After Surgery

Recovering after major abdominal surgery brings expected challenges including pain, activity limitations, fatigue and emotional ups and downs. Arm yourself with the knowledge of what to expect.

Follow your doctor’s orders closely and stay vigilant for signs of complications. Communicate concerns promptly to prevent setbacks.

Accept help from loved ones during this vulnerable time. Soon enough, you will be healed, stronger and grateful for a second chance at health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.