What should be noted after discharge following liver, gallbladder, and pancreas surgery?

Under normal circumstances, patients discharged after liver, biliary, or pancreatic surgery should pay attention to controlling their diet, avoiding strenuous activities, properly caring for the surgical wound, taking medications regularly, and monitoring physical symptoms. Failure to follow these instructions may affect postoperative recovery or trigger complications. Specific details are as follows:

1. Control Diet Types

The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are digestive organs. After surgery, digestive function is not yet fully recovered. Patients should gradually transition from a liquid diet to a semi-liquid diet before slowly resuming a regular diet. Avoid greasy, spicy, raw, or cold foods, as these can increase the burden on the digestive organs and may cause discomfort such as bloating or abdominal pain.

2. Avoid Strenuous Activities

The body is in a recovery phase after surgery. Strenuous activities may cause surgical wounds to reopen or impair healing of internal abdominal organs. It is recommended to engage primarily in mild activities such as slow walking, gradually increasing activity levels according to individual recovery progress.

3. Proper Wound Care

Surgical wounds must be kept clean and dry after surgery. Avoid contact with water or scratching to prevent bacterial infection. If signs such as redness, swelling, discharge, or worsening pain occur at the wound site, seek medical attention promptly to prevent the spread of infection and impaired healing.

4. Take Medications Regularly

Some patients need to take medications such as liver-protecting drugs, anti-inflammatory agents, or pain relievers after surgery. These should be taken strictly according to the prescribed dosage and schedule; do not adjust the dose or discontinue medication without medical advice. Arbitrary changes in medication may compromise treatment effectiveness and lead to symptom recurrence.

5. Monitor Physical Symptoms

After surgery, closely monitor your condition. If symptoms such as fever, worsening abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, or abnormal bowel movements occur, they may indicate underlying complications, and immediate medical evaluation is necessary to avoid delays in treatment.

In addition, patients should attend regular hospital follow-up visits so doctors can assess recovery progress. Maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late to allow sufficient time for the body to heal. Stay in good spirits and avoid excessive anxiety, as a positive mindset contributes to faster recovery.