Adrenal Cancer

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What to Expect After the Surgery

Immediately after the surgery you will be taken to the recovery room. Often patients are then transferred to the intensive care unit for close observation prior to being transferred to your hospital room once you are fully awake and your vital signs are stable.

  • Post Operative Pain: Patients can control and deliver pain medication to themselves by using a "patient controlled analgesia" (PCA) device. The PCA is controlled by the patient by using a button, or "clicker"; when the patient clicks the button, the machine dispenses intravenous pain medication. The machine has limits so that there is no concern for "overdose'. Alternatively, pain medications can be administered to the patient by the nursing staff though the I.V. or orally.
  • Nausea: You may experience some nausea related to the anesthesia or pain medication. Medication is available to treat persistent nausea.
  • Drains/Stents/Catheter: After radical cystectomy you can several "tubes" in place to expedite healing. The exact configuration of tubes depends on the type of reconstruction (e.g. ileal conduit, continent diversion, or neobladder) performed. If a neobladder is performed, patient are discharged from the hospital with a foley catheter in place.
  • Diet: Most patients are placed on a liquid diet (juice, broth, jello, etc) approximatey 48-72 hours after surgery. A regular diet follows, typically after the patient passes flatus.
  • Fatigue: Fatigue is common and should start to subside in a 3 to 4 weeks.
  • Incentive Spirometry: You will be expected to do some breathing exercises to help prevent respiratory infections through using an incentive spirometry device (these exercises will be explained to you during your hospital stay). Coughing and deep breathing are an important part of your recuperation and help to prevent pneumonia.
  • Ambulation: It is very important to get out of bed the morning after surgery! Walking with the supervision of your nurse or family member is extremely important. Walking helps prevent blood clots (DVT and PE), pneumonia and helps the bowel function to return. You can expect to have "boots" placed on your lower legs that periodically squeeze your calves to prevent blood clots from forming (sequential compression devices). They are removed once you are walking.
  • Hospital Stay: The length of hospital stay for most patients is approximately 4-7 days.
  • Constipation: You may experience sluggish bowels for several weeks. Suppositories and stool softeners are usually given to help with this problem. Taking mineral oil daily at home will also help to prevent constipation.