Discharge Instructions for Abdominal Surgery

Abdominal surgery is done through an incision (cut) in your belly. It may take a few weeks or longer to heal from the surgery. Your recovery will depend on factors specific to your surgery. This includes how it was done (open or with a laparoscope). The information below explains how to care for yourself after you’re home.

Medicines

Here is what to expect:

• You may be prescribed pain medicine. Don't wait until your pain becomes severe before taking the medicine. It may not work as well if you wait too long to take it between doses. You may not be able to drive safely. It depends on which pain medicine you are given.

• Most surgeons prescribe stool softeners to prevent constipation. This is especially true if you get opioid prescriptions. Take these as prescribed. 

• You may be given antibiotics to help treat or prevent infection. Take all the antibiotics even if you start to feel better.

Diet

Dietary tips include:

• Follow any diet instructions given by your health care provider. You may need to start with liquids and then slowly add solid foods back into your diet.

• If you have constipation, your provider may tell you to add more fiber to your diet. You may also be told to use a laxative or stool softener. These can often be bought over the counter.

• Drink lots of fluids.

Activity

Follow these guidelines:

• Rest as often as needed.

• Ask your health care provider when you can shower or bathe. Have someone nearby in case you need help.

• Ask your family and friends to help with chores and errands.

• Don’t mow the lawn, vacuum, or do any activities that use a lot of energy until your provider says it's okay.

• Don't lift anything over 10 pounds until your provider says it's okay.

• Don't drive if you are taking pain medicines or until your provider says it’s okay.

• Walk as often as you feel able.

• Do the coughing and breathing exercises you were taught in the hospital. If you were given an incentive spirometer, a device to help with breathing, use it as directed. This is important. It will help prevent lung infections. 

• Ask your health care provider when you can go back to work.

• If you are sexually active, talk with your health care provider about when it's okay to have sex again.

Incision and drain care

Do's and don'ts include the following:

• Keep your incision clean and dry. It’s okay to gently wash the skin around your incision with mild soap and water.

• If you have a dressing over your incision, change it as you were told. Replace the dressing if it gets wet or dirty. In most cases, the dressing can be removed after 48 hours.

• If you have wound closure strips or something similar, you may be told to leave them alone until they come off on their own. Don't pick or pull at them. Wear loose clothing to prevent rubbing.

• If you have a drain, record the amount of drainage daily. You may also need to empty the drain and clean the attached tubing daily. Ask your health care provider if you can get your drain wet or if it needs to stay dry at all times.

• Don’t sit in a bathtub, pool, or hot tub until your incision is closed and any drains are taken out. Make sure your health care provider says it's okay.

• When you cough or sneeze, hold a pillow firmly against your incision with both hands. This is called splinting. Doing this helps protect your incision. It also eases belly discomfort.

• Don't pick, scratch, or pull at your incision.

• Don’t use oils or creams on your incision. Ask your provider before using lotions on your incision. This includes using an antibiotic ointment.

Follow-up

You will have several checkups with your health care provider. These are needed to check how well you’re healing. Your drain, stitches, or staples may also be removed during these visits.

When to call the doctor

Contact your health care provider or get medical care right away if you have:

• A fever of 100.4°F ( 38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider.

• Chest pain or trouble breathing ( Call 911).

• Pain or tenderness in the leg.

• Increased pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, or foul-smelling drainage at the incision site.

• An incision that separates or comes apart.

• Problems with the drain, if you have one.

• Pain or hardness in your belly that gets worse or isn’t eased by pain medicine.

• Nausea and vomiting that won’t go away.

• Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days.

• Constipation, or you aren't able to pass gas for more than 3 days.

• Dark-colored or bloody urine.

• Bright red or dark black stools.

• Yellowish coloring of the skin or eyes.

• Itchy, swollen skin or a skin rash.