Abdominal surgery is the terminology used to cover a wide range of surgical procedures that focus on the abdominal area, including the abdominal walls and the organs located within it. This includes surgery for various gastric problems, appendectomies, various hernia surgeries, etc. Although the types and extent of the surgeries may vary a great deal, preparing for the procedure and the subsequent recovery is often the same, irrespective of the specific surgery. If you have been advised to undergo surgery, your doctors and surgeons will give you detailed instructions on what you need to do to prepare for the surgery and how to manage the recovery. That said, if you know in broad terms what to expect, following the instructions becomes easier.

Preparing for the Surgery

Stop Smoking: Everyone knows that smoking, along with other forms of tobacco consumption, poses a serious health risk. It should therefore not be surprising that smoking can hurt the surgical procedure. If you are a smoker, you have an increased risk of:

Wound infections

Pneumonia

Cardiac and pulmonary complications

These and other complications can affect the outcome of the procedure. Stopping smoking and other forms of tobacco consumption at least 2 months before the surgery will show positive results at the time of the procedure.

Control Your Blood Sugar: Even if you do not suffer from any form of diabetes, it is important to ensure that your blood sugar levels are under control before the surgery. Surgical wounds can be a breeding ground for bacteria and various infectious organisms and it is the sugar in the blood that allows them to thrive. The higher the blood sugar levels, the more conducive the environment for infection to develop. While today’s surgical practices have almost eliminated the possibilities of infections developing, they can still happen, and a controlled blood sugar level will increase your level of protection.

Exercise: When a person has medical problems that involve the abdominal area, the thought of exercise is not a welcome one. Medical conditions of the abdomen often cause movement-related pain or sensitivity that makes any stress on that part of the body very uncomfortable. However, the fact remains that surgery may cause significant abdominal trauma. If the muscles of the area are strong, the recovery from the trauma will be faster. You will also be able to start moving around sooner if your abdominal muscles are strong. Your doctor and surgeon will be able to give you more information on this matter, but if you already have an exercise routine, modify it to give more focus to the abdominal muscles. If you do not exercise, starting abdominal muscle strengthening at least 2 months before surgery will help reduce post-surgery discomfort.

Improving Your Recovery

• Move Around: Rest is important after any type of surgery. That said, controlled movement after the procedure can help improve recovery. Your surgeon will tell you when to start moving and how to do it. While it may be uncomfortable and even painful initially, movement will allow the muscles and tendons affected by the surgery to slowly regain their flexibility and strength. This will not only improve your long-term recovery, it will also help you get discharged sooner.
• Ensure the Abdomen Is Supported: While movement is important, so too is rest. A vital aspect of that rest is ensuring that your abdomen is properly supported while your surgical wounds are healing. Pillows are ideal for this. When in bed, keep one standard-sized pillow between your knees and another under your stomach. This will help with comfortable sleep after the surgery. When you are allowed to sit up, arrange pillows around you to keep you supported and strain-free.
• Avoid Strain: Any kind of strenuous activity must be completely avoided after abdominal surgery. Your body needs time to heal and although doctor-approved light movement is good for you, straining the body, and especially the abdomen, can not only slow down the recovery but could even reverse the process. Many normal body movements are centered around moving the middle of the body, which means that even normal activities could cause abdominal strain. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on what you can and cannot do during the recovery, but in general, you will not be allowed to lift anything more than the lightest of objects. That means you have to have help available for any carrying that needs to be done when you return home. Even normal activities such as dusting can place strain on the abdomen and should be avoided. During your post-surgical checkups, you will be told about what additional activities you can undertake.
• Starting Exercise: Post-surgical recovery occurs in stages. Exercise plays an important role in this – it must be started and increased gradually. Your doctor will tell you what you can start doing and when. You should ask your doctor if there is any special equipment you can keep at home to help with the recovery exercises.

If you suspect you have medical conditions affecting one or more of the organs in your abdomen, it is important to have the condition examined by a medical specialist. In many cases, the problem may require treatment by a gastroenterologist. Because many health issues affect multiple organs, or are linked to other health conditions, a multispecialty hospital is the best place to go to. At New Medical Centre, you will find the best gastroenterologists as well as leading specialists in other medical specializations. This is where you will also have access to the most up-to-date medical technology, equipment and services. This means that the diagnosis you receive will be accurate and the subsequent treatment world-class.

Abdominal Surgery FAQs: Preparation, Recovery & Care Tips

How should I prepare for abdominal surgery?

Before abdominal surgery, follow your doctor’s instructions, which may include fasting, stopping certain medications, and arranging for post-surgery help at home. Gentle exercises before surgery can also improve recovery.

What exercises are safe after abdominal surgery?

Start with light activities like short walks once your doctor gives approval. Avoid lifting heavy objects, strenuous workouts, or twisting movements until your surgeon confirms it’s safe.

How can I reduce pain and discomfort after surgery?

Follow your prescribed pain management plan, take medications as directed, use proper posture, and move slowly. Applying gentle support to your abdomen when coughing or standing can also help.

What foods should I eat after abdominal surgery?

Choose soft, easy-to-digest foods like soups, porridge, and steamed vegetables. Stay hydrated, avoid gas-forming foods, and include fiber-rich meals to prevent constipation.

How long does it take to recover from abdominal surgery?

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and your health. Most people take 4–6 weeks to heal, but it may take longer for complex procedures.

When should I contact my doctor after surgery?

Call your doctor if you notice fever, excessive pain, redness or swelling at the incision site, difficulty breathing, or any unusual symptoms.