Recovery from gynaecological cancer surgery is a gradual process; your body needs to heal (as described above), and in order for this to happen, you will need proper nutrition, plenty of rest, and to carefully monitor how your body is healing. No matter which gynaecological cancer you had surgery for: ovarian, cervical, uterine (endometrial), vulvar, or vaginal – following the appropriate post-operative care plan will significantly enhance your recovery process and decrease the chance of any complications.
At Dr Priyanka Batra’s clinic, we also believe that successful treatment of cancer involves more than just undergoing surgery. Proper post-operation care is essential to restoring strength after surgery, improving overall quality of life following treatment, and helping patients transition back into their previous lifestyle after completing their therapy. This blog will provide you with information about dietary recommendations, necessary precautions, recommended activity levels, and warnings to be alert for after undergoing a surgical procedure for the treatment of a gynaecological cancer.
Why Post-Surgery Care Matters?
The body goes through tremendous stress because it is going to have surgery performed on it. In order to recover properly, your body must have additional nutrients and energy in order to:
Heal surgical wounds
- Combat infections
- Create new tissue
- Regain strength and stamina
- Reduce complications
- Help support your immune system
- Enhance emotional well-being
If you follow the postoperative recovery guidelines given by your physician, this will shorten the total healing process and promote better long-term results.
What is the Best Diet After Gynaecological Cancer Surgery?
- Damage to body tissues can be healed more quickly when you consume protein in adequate amounts. Examples of high-protein foods include: eggs, fish, poultry, lentils (dal), paneer, tofu, Greek yoghurt, milk, soy products, beans and chickpeas.
- Fruits and vegetables contain many beneficial vitamins and nutrients. Fruits and vegetables will also give you fibre, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A and antioxidants. All of these nutrients help your immune system by giving it strength and decreasing inflammation. Citrus fruits and other good sources include: oranges, kiwi, papaya, berries, apples, spinach, broccoli, carrots, beets, and bell peppers.
- Whole grains provide energy and fibre, which will help to ensure there will not be constipation after surgery. Examples of whole grains are: oats, brown rice, whole wheat chappati, quinoa, millet, and barley.
- Unless you are told otherwise, you should drink 2 to 3 litres per day. In addition, coconut water, lemon water, broth-based soups, teas, and clear liquids should also be consumed. It is important to stay hydrated because this will help to reduce constipation and aid in being able to heal correctly.
- While looking for healthy fats. There are plenty of sources you can look to use, including the following: Almonds, Walnuts, Flaxseeds, Chia Seeds, Olive Oil, and Avocados.
- Also, after having surgery, it is common to have a smaller appetite than usual. Try to eat 5-6 smaller meals instead of just 3 larger ones. Eating easy-to-digest foods will help your digestive system recover and stay energised. Therefore, eating light snacks between your meals may help with digestion and keep your energy levels up.
What are the Foods to Avoid During Recovery?
- Deep-Fat Fried Foods
- Overly Processed Foods
- Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
- Excess Sweets
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Smoking & Tobacco
- Carbonated Beverages (if causing gas)
- Excessively Spicy Foods
- Raw / Undercooked Meats
- Unpasteurized Dairy Products
What are Activity Guidelines After Surgery?
- Always take any medication (including pain pills, antibiotics, blood thinners (if prescribed), and supplements prescribed to you). Consult your physician before stopping any medication.
- When cared for properly, wounds reduce patients’ risks of developing infection. Look out for: Redness, Swelling, Discharge (foul), Discomfort (excessive) and Bleeding. Pay close attention to the dressing instructions provided by your surgeon.
- If you can help it, do not lift anything heavy for 6 to 8 weeks following surgery, including: grocery bags, buckets of water, children and gym weights. Lifting too much weight will increase pressure in your abdomen, which may hinder your recovery process.
- By decreasing blood supply to your newly formed, healed tissue, smoking will hinder the success of your wound healing process (along with other potential issues), as well as increase your risk of developing a number of complications, including infections, blood clots, lung complications and delays in recovery. Therefore, quitting smoking is one of the healthiest choices you can make toward re-establishing your health.
- Many pain medications will cause constipation; help prevent constipation by drinking plenty of water, eating foods that are high in fibre, walking each day, and taking stool softeners (when prescribed). Do not strain in order to have a bowel movement.
- Follow-up visits with your doctor are important because they allow the physician:
- Monitor how well you are healing from the surgery; Review pathology reports; Plan chemotherapy or radiation (if needed); Early detection of complications; and monitor your recovery throughout the process. For these reasons, please do not miss any of the appointments you have scheduled.
Recovery from Gynaecological Cancer Surgery is a long process that can take weeks to months to finish; therefore, it must be patient-centred, with appropriate nutrition, and continuous medical follow-up. A balanced diet, an adequate level of activity based on your abilities, caring for your surgical wound, and identifying early signs/symptoms can all lead to a successful recovery and better overall quality of life.
If you or someone that you care about has had surgery for a gynaecological cancer, the assistance of Dr Priyanka Batra and the team at her clinic will provide the necessary individualised assistance and continual follow-up necessary to give the individual with the gynaecological cancer the greatest chance of having the best possible outcome following surgery.