Preparing for Cancer Surgery
A practical guide to help you prepare for cancer surgery - before, during your hospital stay, and recovery at home.
Surgery is often the first and most effective treatment for solid cancers. Knowing what to expect can help reduce anxiety and prepare you and your family for a smoother recovery.
Before Surgery
Your surgical team will guide you through the preparation process.
- Pre-surgery tests: blood work, chest X-ray, ECG, and possibly CT/MRI scans
- Tell your surgeon about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you take
- You may need to stop blood thinners or certain supplements before surgery
- Attend the pre-surgery clinic for anaesthesia assessment
- Follow fasting instructions exactly - usually no food for 8-12 hours before
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after discharge
- Prepare your home: stock up on food, arrange help with daily tasks
What to Pack for Hospital
- National ID card and all medical documents/reports
- Insurance card or hospital financial clearance letter
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and slippers
- Toiletries: toothbrush, soap, towel (hospitals may not provide these)
- Phone and charger
- A list of your medications with dosages
- Glasses or hearing aids if you use them
- Light reading material or headphones for music
- Avoid bringing jewellery or valuables
On Surgery Day
Here's what typically happens on the day of your operation.
- •Arrive at the hospital at the time instructed - usually early morning
- •You'll change into a hospital gown and be prepared by the nursing team
- •An IV line will be started for fluids and medications
- •The anaesthesia team will talk to you about the type of anaesthesia
- •You'll be taken to the operating room on a trolley
- •After surgery, you'll wake up in the recovery room
- •A family member can usually see you once you're in the ward
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery. Be patient with your body.
- Pain is normal and will be managed with medication - don't suffer in silence
- You may have drains, tubes, or a catheter - the nursing team will explain each
- Try to get up and walk a little as soon as your doctor says it's safe
- Deep breathing exercises help prevent chest infections after surgery
- Food will be reintroduced gradually - start with liquids, then soft foods
- Hospital stay varies: 1-2 days for minor surgery, up to 2 weeks for major
Recovery at Home
Taking care of yourself at home is crucial for a good recovery.
- Keep your wound clean and dry - follow the specific care instructions given
- Take all prescribed medications on time, including pain relief
- Eat nutritious food: protein helps wounds heal (eggs, fish, dhal, chicken)
- Rest, but do gentle movement as advised - avoid lifting heavy objects
- Attend ALL follow-up appointments - they check healing and plan next steps
- Watch for warning signs: fever, increasing pain, wound redness/swelling, unusual discharge
When to Call Your Doctor After Surgery
- ●Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
- ●Wound becomes red, swollen, hot, or leaks fluid
- ●Increasing pain that isn't controlled by medication
- ●Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- ●Persistent vomiting or inability to eat/drink
- ●Excessive bleeding from the wound