Post-Abdominal Surgery - Advice and tips

Post-Abdominal Surgery Advice and Tips When do I start walking?

The best exercise after the operation is walking. Your physiotherapist will help you until you can safely walk by yourself.

You can start with some lower limb exercises (I.e. ankle pumps, heel slides) immediately after your operation. You are also encouraged to sit out of bed in the day time, if possible.

Why is it important for me to start walking early?

Benefits of walking:  Prevent chest infections and muscle weakness  Improve the function of your digestive system  Encourage blood circulation  Decrease pain sensitivity This promotes recover and facilitates early discharge from the hospital.

What are the problems I might experience after surgery?

You might experience side-effects such as pain, giddiness, nausea and sometimes cough with phlegm.  Pain is common after a surgery due to the damage to tissues.  Giddiness and nausea could occur due to the side effects of medications.  Cough with phlegm due to the side effects of general anesthesia, pain and immobility.

Please contact your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Post-operative recovery programme Day 1  Supported coughing  Deep breathing exercises  Lower limb exercises - Heel slides - Ankle pumps  Sit out of bed (At least 3 times /day)  Walk as pain allows Day 2  Increase walking distance  Walk with nurses to the toilet Day 3  Climbing the stairs Day 4  Walk independently around the ward

Supported Coughing Support your wound firmly with a folded towel. Apply pressure over the towel when you cough.

Breathing Exercises Take a deep breath in (through your nose). You should feel your chest moving sideways and your stomach moving forward.  Hold it in for 3-5 seconds.  Breathe out slowly through your mouth.  Repeat this exercise 10 times every hour.

Walking Walk for ______ minutes /metres. Use your walking aids if necessary.

Disclaimer: Exercises illustrated and instructed in this handout are strictly for designated patient based on the assessment and instruction of the therapist. If you have any doubts, please contact your therapist.

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group.

Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.

REHAB.PE.PT.056.0320