Cancerbackup: After
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The recovery period will vary depending on the extent of the surgery. Your doctor or specialist nurse will give you information about how long you will be in hospital and how soon you will be able to get back to your normal routine.
You may have some pain after surgery but will be given painkillers to help reduce this. Good pain control will help you to get up and about as soon as possible. Breathing and leg exercises can help to reduce the risk of chest infection and blood clots. Your nurse or physiotherapist will teach you these exercises.
You may be given antibiotics to help prevent infection of the wound. Depending on the type of operation, you may have tubes placed into the wound to drain away fluid. The amount of fluid draining usually tails off within days and the tubes can then be removed.
Content last reviewed: 01 April 2008
Page last modified: 09 July 2008
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