The first hours: waking up from anesthesia
After major surgery such as cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC, you will wake up in an intensive care unit (ICU) or a post-anesthesia recovery unit. This is completely normal and allows close monitoring.
When you wake up, it is common to feel:
- Confused or disoriented (an effect of the anesthesia that wears off)
- A dry or sore throat (from the breathing tube used during anesthesia)
- Cold or shivery (a normal reaction)
- Pain that is under control (you will have continuous pain relief)
The first days in the hospital
Days 1-2
You will be monitored in the ICU or an intermediate care ward. You will have:
- An IV line for fluids and medication
- A urinary catheter (to monitor urine output)
- Possibly a nasogastric tube (a tube through the nose to the stomach)
- Abdominal drains (tubes to remove fluid that builds up)
- Continuous pain relief (a morphine pump or similar)
Days 3-5
You will start to regain independence:
- You will be helped to sit in a chair
- You will start walking with help
- You will start taking liquids if the bowel shows signs of working
- Some catheters and drains will be removed
Day 5 onward
Progress toward discharge:
- Gradual return to eating (from liquids to soft solids)
- Walking more and more
- Removal of drains once they are no longer needed
- Switch to oral pain relief
Pain control
You will have pain, but it should be well controlled. The medical team will adjust your pain relief to your needs. It is important that you:
- Tell us about your pain: Use the 0 to 10 scale (0 = no pain, 10 = the worst pain imaginable).
- Don't wait until it is unbearable: Pain is easier to control before it gets worse.
- Ask for help: If the medication is not enough, let the team know so they can adjust it.
Good pain control lets you move, breathe deeply and recover better.
Why move early
It may sound contradictory, but moving early helps a lot with recovery:
- It prevents thrombosis: Staying still makes blood clots in the legs more likely.
- It improves lung function: Walking and breathing deeply help prevent pneumonia.
- It stimulates the bowel: Movement helps the bowel start working again.
- It prevents muscle loss: Every day in bed means lost strength.
Start little by little: sit up, stand up, take a few steps, and do a bit more each day.
Eating after surgery
After abdominal surgery, the bowel needs time to "wake up". The usual progression is:
- Initial fasting: Until there are signs that the bowel is working (gas, bowel sounds).
- Clear liquids: Water, herbal teas, broths.
- Full liquid diet: Juices, drinkable yogurt, soups.
- Soft diet: Purees, easy-to-digest foods.
- Normal diet: Gradually, as tolerated.
It is normal to have less appetite or to feel full after eating little. Eat small amounts often.
When to call the medical team
Whether in the hospital or at home, let us know if you notice:
- Fever: A temperature above 38°C.
- Pain that is not controlled: Despite medication.
- Persistent nausea or vomiting: That stops you from eating or drinking.
- A wound that looks wrong: Spreading redness, discharge, bad smell.
- Difficulty breathing
- A swollen, warm or painful leg: This could indicate thrombosis.
- No gas or bowel movements: After several days.
Hospital discharge
You will be discharged when:
- You can eat and drink without problems
- Your pain is controlled with oral medication
- You can walk on your own
- You have no fever or signs of complications
- Your wounds look good
You will receive detailed instructions on medication, wound care, diet, permitted activity and when to come back for a check-up.
Recovery at home
First week at home
- Take it easy, but walk a little every day
- Take your medication as instructed
- Care for your wounds as you were shown
- Eat small, frequent meals and avoid heavy food
- Don't drive or do anything strenuous
Weeks 2-4
- Gradually increase your activity
- Take longer walks each day
- Eat an increasingly varied diet
- Possible return to light activities
From one month on
- Most people return to their normal life
- You can start driving (if you are not taking opioids)
- Gentle physical activity as tolerated
- Ask your doctor when you can go back to work
Wound care
- Keep the area clean: You can shower after 48-72 hours unless told otherwise. Pat dry gently.
- Don't rub or scratch: Even if it itches (a sign of healing).
- Watch it: A little redness around the wound is normal. It is not normal if it spreads, hurts a lot or has discharge.
- Stitches or staples: These are usually removed at the clinic after 10-14 days.
- Protect it from the sun: For one year, to keep the scar from darkening.
Emotional side of recovery
It is completely normal to go through emotional changes after major surgery:
- Mood swings: Good days and hard days are part of the process.
- Frustration: At not being able to do everything you did before.
- Anxiety: About recovery, the results, the future.
- Tiredness: Your body puts a lot of energy into healing.
Give yourself time. Talk to your family, friends or professionals if you need to. Physical and emotional recovery go hand in hand.
Medical follow-up
After discharge you will have check-up visits to:
- Check your wounds and remove stitches
- Assess your overall recovery
- Go over the pathology results
- Plan additional treatment if needed
- Schedule follow-up imaging tests
Keep all scheduled appointments and don't hesitate to contact us with any question or problem.
Questions about your recovery?
Everyone is different. If you have specific questions about your case, we are here to help.
Contact us