What are the postoperative precautions for tumor surgery?

Nov 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, recovery after tumor surgery requires scientific care, with key considerations including wound care, dietary adjustments, activity management, monitoring for complications, and psychological adjustment. Postoperative recovery is a process that requires patience and attention to detail. Patients must strictly follow the guidance of healthcare professionals and properly carry out all aspects of care to gradually promote physical recovery.

In general, recovery after tumor surgery requires scientific care, with key considerations including wound care, dietary adjustments, activity management, monitoring for complications, and psychological adjustment. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Wound Care: After surgery, it is essential to keep the surgical wound and surrounding skin clean and dry, avoiding contact with water or any friction and impact. Dressings should be changed regularly as directed by medical staff, and wound healing should be closely observed. If signs such as redness, swelling, fluid discharge, pus, or delayed healing occur, medical personnel should be informed promptly.

2. Dietary Adjustments: Postoperative diet should follow a step-by-step progression. Initially, patients should consume light, easily digestible liquid or semi-liquid foods such as rice soup, porridge, or well-cooked noodles. As gastrointestinal function gradually recovers, the diet can transition to soft foods and then normal meals.

3. Activity Management: Prolonged bed rest should be avoided after surgery. When physical condition permits, patients should begin appropriate activities as early as possible under medical guidance. Initially, simple limb movements in bed—such as turning over and flexing/extending limbs—can be performed. As recovery progresses, activity levels can gradually increase, including sitting up and slow walking.

4. Monitoring for Complications: Close attention should be paid to one's physical condition after surgery. Be alert for abnormal symptoms such as fever, worsening pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, or diarrhea. These may indicate postoperative complications, and any such signs should be immediately reported to healthcare providers.

5. Psychological Adjustment: The recovery process may be lengthy, during which patients may experience negative emotions such as anxiety, tension, or irritability. These emotional disturbances can hinder physical recovery. Therefore, patients should actively regulate their mindset and maintain a positive and optimistic attitude.

Postoperative recovery is a process that requires patience and careful attention. Patients must strictly follow medical guidance, diligently perform all aspects of self-care, and progressively promote physical recovery.