Abdominal surgery | colorectalsurgeon

Instructions for Patients following Abdominal Surgery

1 Diet: You may have a normal, balanced diet but avoid food if you find they are upsetting you.

2 Alcohol: May be consumed in moderation.

3 Activity: Avoid activity which causes pain. Otherwise, you may increase your activity as is comfortable for you. Walking is beneficial. You may climb stairs.

4 Lifting: Avoid lifting heavy weights or straining abdominal muscles, eg: Sit-ups or press-ups for 6 weeks.

5 Dressings: Leave dressings on for 2 weeks after the day of surgery. You may take daily showers or baths. You may remove dressings yourself, and can wet and wash the wound(s) like normal skin after removal.

6 Driving: Do not go alone the first time you drive and do not drive after taking pain medication. When you can react quickly in an emergency and not be restricted by pain, you are safe to drive.

7 Medications:

ï To relieve pain: Panadeine or Endone (no more than 8 tablets per day). These can cause constipation; therefore, ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids and eating fruits and vegetables daily. Use laxatives if needed.

ï Resume any medication prescribed by your GP.

ï Anti-diarrhoeal: (if prescribed)

Imodium: You may take Imodium 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime as necessary. As diarrhoea abates, take it less frequently and as needed for loose stools.

8 Bowel function: Bowel function tends to be erratic (wind, diarrhoea, seepage or cramps, good days and bad days) for 2–3 months after bowel surgery. It takes your body time to adjust. Avoid any foods which make you feel worse.