Abdominal Surgery Post-Operative Instructions

Diet First 2 weeks: Start with soft foods before returning to normal diet Meal frequency: 6 small meals daily instead of 3 large ones Hydration: Minimum 8 glasses of water daily Alcohol: Permitted in moderation Protein: Prioritize protein intake to support healing   Download PDF

*reintroduce gradually to your diet. Choose one at a time

If you are feeling bloated, observe the following:

• Avoid gas-producing food and beverages such as fizzy drinks, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, sweet potato, corn.
• Avoid chewing gum and drinking with a straw.
• Take small bites and chew thoroughly.

Medication Pain Relief Celebrex, Arcoxia, Ultracet, others Anti-diarrhoeal Imodium 2 mg caps, Lomotil 2.5 mg tab — take either Imodium or Lomotil 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. As diarrhoea improves, take it less frequently and as needed for loose stools (maximum 8 a day of each). Antibiotics Flagyl/Cipro/Bactrim/Zinnat/Amoxycilin/others (as instructed) Other Medications Resume any medication your own doctor has prescribed (unless instructed otherwise).

Possible Problems

Bowel function Bowel function tends to be unpredictable (wind, diarrhoea, seepage or cramps; good days and bad days) up to 6 months after bowel surgery. It takes your body time to adjust. Avoid foods that make you feel worse. Bowel obstruction Abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, vomiting, constipation and not passing wind. When these symptoms develop, contact your doctor for advice. If the symptoms are mild, you may restrict dietary intake to liquid only and avoid solid food. If symptoms persist beyond 24 hours or if they are severe, you must call and inform us. Wound infection Excessive swelling, redness, drainage or severe pain around the incision should be reported. Infections related to surgery Fever, especially if associated with abdominal discomfort, nausea, and the feeling of being unwell should be reported. Stoma If you have a stoma, make sure you are comfortable with caring for it before discharge. Bananas, peanut butter, tapioca, applesauce, and marshmallows may thicken the stoma output. Get help if there is difficulty with keeping the stomal appliance on for at least 24 hours. If there is recurrent bleeding, severe pain and swelling around the stoma, or if the stoma stops functioning or the stoma output is more than 1,000 ml in 24 hours, you must call and inform us. Dehydration Decreased urine output or dark urine is a sign of dehydration. Drink at least 8 glasses of liquids a day.

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Appointment and Contact

Follow-up Appointments Follow-up appointments with your surgeon are usually between 1 to 2 weeks. If not already organised prior to discharge, call (see below) for scheduling. Contact Information Dr Luqman Mazlan's clinic: +603 7457 2825 Dr Cha Kar Huei's clinic: +603 7457 2898 Dr Chong Hoong Yin's clinic: +603 7457 2887 Dr Yeap Chee Loong's clinic: +603 7457 2833 Hospital General Line: +603 7457 2888 Hospital Emergency Line: +603 7457 2999