What To Expect After Stomach Cancer Surgery
Stomach cancer surgery, also known as gastrectomy, involves the removal of part or all of the stomach, depending on the cancer's location and severity. The recovery process is multifaceted, involving physical healing, dietary adjustments, and emotional resilience. Here’s what you can expect: 1. Immediate Post-Surgery Recovery After surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for 7–10 days. During this time: Pain Management : Pain relief is provided through medications, including epidurals or intravenous infusions. Inform your healthcare team if discomfort persists. Drains and Tubes : Temporary tubes, such as a nasogastric tube (to drain stomach fluids) or a feeding tube, may be in place to aid healing and nutrition. Movement Encouragement : Early mobilization, like walking, is encouraged to reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots and pneumonia. 2. Dietary Changes and Nutrition With part or all of the stomach removed, the digest...