Swelling following abdominal surgery can be reduced by properly caring for the incision site and stimulating bowel evacuation. Follow all advice from your doctor or nurse regarding wound cleaning and disinfection. To avoid stomach bloating, you should eat light, easy-to-digest foods in small amounts throughout the day. Also, to prevent constipation, drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in fiber.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Maintain the Engraving Site
Step 1. Follow postoperative directions
After the surgery, your doctor or nurse will tell you how to manage yourself in the period of recovery once you get home. In other words, it will show you how to take care of the surgical wound in the abdomen. Follow his instructions to the letter to protect the incision site and prevent the risk of an infection.
To remember his instructions, ask him if he can write them down on a piece of paper or repeat them in the presence of a family member
Step 2. Keep the incision site clean and dry between cleanings
Wash it every day with mild soap and water. Blot it to dry it gently with a clean cloth. Prevent moisture build-up in the surrounding area, as it can cause infection and inflammation.
- Wait at least 24 hours after surgery to clean the site or shower.
- Medicalo always following the doctor's instructions, which vary depending on the type of surgery you have undergone.
Step 3. Apply a cold compress to the abdomen every 20 minutes
Using a cold pack after surgery can reduce swelling and relieve pain. Wrap an ice pack or resealable plastic bag filled with crushed cubes in a clean towel or cloth. Gently lay it on your abdomen and hold it for no more than 20 minutes per hour.
Do not apply ice directly to the skin, otherwise it may irritate or burn
Step 4. Avoid touching the affected site to prevent infections
In addition to dressing the area, you should avoid touching the surgical wound during the healing process. Contact could irritate you or spread infectious germs. In both cases, there is a risk of it becoming inflamed.
If you are used to moisturizing your skin with a body lotion, choose a fragrance-free one and avoid applying it to the incision
Step 5. Contact your doctor if you notice any signs of an infection
It is important to check the incision site for signs of an infection. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice severe redness, pus, or inflammation. Also consult it if the pain increases over time.
Step 6. Ask your doctor if you need to wear compression garments
It is an elastic garment to be worn on the incision site after the operation. For example, after liposuction surgery, something should be used to keep the bandages in place and reduce swelling and bleeding. Ask your doctor if you need to put on a compression garment after the operation and how long you need to wear it for.
- Generally, the use of a compression sleeve is recommended for 3-6 weeks.
- You can buy this type of clothing on the Internet or at a health club.
- Use these medical devices with care when the surgical wound is still healing: it is necessary to stretch them, place them carefully on the abdominal area and remove them gently.
Part 2 of 2: Reduce Abdominal Bloating
Step 1. Eat small, frequent meals
Digestion can be more difficult after abdominal surgery, so you should be careful what you eat. Avoid consuming too large portions, otherwise you risk overloading the digestive system and promoting bloating. Eat little and more often or snack several times throughout the day to keep yourself healthy.
- Try oatmeal, salad, or soup.
- Go for a snack of bananas, apples, or whole-grain crackers.
- Ask your doctor when you can resume eating normally.
Step 2. Consume plenty of fluids to prevent constipation
It is common for constipation and swelling problems to arise after an operation, especially if you are taking pain relievers. So, drink rehydrating fluids, such as water and herbal teas, throughout the day to aid digestion and metabolism.
- As a rule, try to consume about 2 liters of moisturizing drinks per day.
- Try to drink enough to purify the urine.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, as they can dehydrate you.
- If your urine smells bad, it could be a sign of dehydration.
Step 3. Follow your doctor's recommended postoperative diet
After abdominal surgery, it is necessary to avoid foods that strain digestion. Ask your doctor what foods you can eat while recovering and which foods you should avoid. Generally, patients should follow a diet of light, easy-to-digest foods for the first week following surgery.
- Use a blender to make foods softer and easier to digest.
- You can also eat baby food in rehabilitation.
- Follow this diet for as long as your doctor recommends.
Step 4. Eat high-fiber foods
Gas, constipation, and bloating can be prevented by eating foods rich in fiber. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are the best food sources of these macronutrients to add to your diet. If they are included in your postoperative diet, opt for:
- Bananas;
- Peaches, pears and apples;
- Cooked cereals, such as oatmeal
- Sweet potatoes;
- Cooked vegetables with a soft texture.
Step 5. Move to expel intestinal gas
If you've undergone abdominal surgery, be aware that physical activity promotes bowel movement, preventing gas from building up in the stomach that could cause bloating. Practice moderate exercise, perhaps taking short walks several times a day to keep yourself moving.
- Increase the duration of your walks as you begin to feel stronger.
- While you are recovering, avoid strenuous exercises, such as running, biking, or roping.
- If necessary, expel intestinal gas. By holding them, you will promote swelling and discomfort.
Step 6. Ask your doctor if you can take an emollient laxative
It is not easy to pass out after an abdominal surgery, so an emollient laxative may be helpful. By stimulating intestinal evacuation, you will prevent the accumulation of air and abdominal discomfort. Ask your doctor if there are no contraindications to the use of the laxative and follow his instructions regarding the duration of the intake.
Warnings
- If abdominal swelling persists or worsens a few days after surgery, contact your doctor.
- If you experience severe pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, increasing redness at the incision site, or fever, consult your doctor as soon as possible to rule out the possibility of an infection.
