Page last updated: April 2026
The information on this webpage has been adapted from Understanding Surgery - A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends (2026 edition). This webpage was last updated in April 2026.
Expert content reviewers:
This information was developed with help from a range of health professionals and people affected by cancer who have had targeted therapy.
All updated content has been clinically reviewed by Prof Elisabeth Elder, Specialist Breast Surgeon, Westmead Breast Cancer Institute and University of Sydney, NSW. This edition is based on the previous edition, which was reviewed by the following panel:
- Prof Elisabeth Elder
- Chanelle Curnuck, Dietitian – Dietetics and Nutrition, Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group, WA
- Department of Anaesthetics, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Medicine, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC
- Jessica Feeney, Nurse Unit Manager, Breast, Endocrine and Gynaecology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA
- A/Prof Richard Gallagher, Head and Neck Surgeon, Director of Cancer Services and Head and Neck Cancer Services, St Vincent’s Health Network, NSW
- John Leung, Consumer
- Rohan Miegel, Senior Physiotherapist – Cancer Care, Flinders Medical Centre, SA
- A/Prof Nicholas O’Rourke, University of Queensland and Head of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Royal Brisbane Hospital, QLD
- Lucy Pollerd, Social Worker, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC
- Suzanne Ryan, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Department of General Surgery, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, QLD
- Rebecca Yeoh, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Queensland.
After every surgery there is a period of recovery. How long this takes will depend on your age, the type of surgery you had, and your overall fitness and health.
It may take a few days or a week to recover from a small operation, but it can take a few months for a large procedure. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s advice, be patient and give yourself time to recover.
Some people may need extra support to help them return to their usual day-to-day activities. This is called rehabilitation.
Hospital recovery room
After the operation is over, you will be moved to a recovery room. This is an area near the operating theatre where there is monitoring equipment and specially trained staff.
In some hospitals, it may be called a recovery ward or post-anaesthesia care unit. It might be a shared space or a private room.
People who need a high level of care will go into the high dependency unit (HDU) or intensive care unit (ICU) for the first night or for a few days. You will be moved out of the HDU or ICU as your condition improves.
Your surgeon will tell you before surgery if it’s likely you will be moved to one of these units. While the anaesthetic wears off, a recovery nurse will check your wound, pain levels and vital signs.
They will also give you medicine or fluids to help reduce side effects caused by the anaesthetic. You may have several tubes in place.
Tubes and drains you might have
Intravenous (IV) drip
- inserted into a vein in your arm or hand
- gives you fluids until you can eat and drink again
- also used to give pain relief and other medicines
- may be in place for a few hours or a few days, depending on the surgery
Breathing tube
- inserted down your throat to help you breathe during surgery
- usually removed while you are under anaesthetic, but may stay in if you go to ICU s
Urgical drain
- a tube placed in the wound to drain fluid from the surgical site into a small bottle or bag
- may stay in for a few days or a few weeks, depending on how much fluid is being collected and the type of operation
Urinary catheter
- a thin tube that drains urine from your bladder into a bag
- may stay in for a few hours or a few days, depending on the type of operation
- usually removed when you start walking after surgery and can get to the toilet
Nasogastric (NG) tube
- a thin tube placed through your nose into the stomach
- used to remove fluid from the stomach until bowel function returns to normal or for feeding
Feeding tube
- may be needed if you are unable to eat and drink after surgery
- a tube is placed into your stomach or small bowel, either through your nostril (NG tube) or an opening on the outside of your abdomen (gastrostomy tube)
- usually temporary, but sometimes permanent
Side effects of general anaesthetic
General anaesthesia is very safe, but like any medical procedure, you may experience some side effects. Most side effects occur immediately after surgery and don’t last long.
Tell your medical team if any of these side effects get worse or worry you. You should not drive, operate complex equipment or sign important documents for at least 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.
Nausea and vomiting
You may feel sick (nausea) or vomit after an anaesthetic, but this usually improves within a day or two. You may be given medicine to control this. Sometimes vomiting makes you feel better.
Chills and dizziness
Your body temperature often drops in the operating theatre and you may wake up shivering or feeling cold. Some people feel dizzy from the anaesthetic or because they are dehydrated.
These side effects will be monitored in the recovery room.
Agitation
You might cry or feel restless and anxious when you wake up. Some people feel like their arms or legs are twitchy. This is a normal reaction.
Sore throat or hoarseness
The tube placed down your throat to help you breathe while you are asleep can leave you with a sore throat or a hoarse voice after it is removed. This should get better in a few days.
Mental effects
You may feel confused, groggy or “fuzzy” in the minutes or hours after you wake up, and you may not remember why you had surgery.
Most people make a full recovery within a few hours. In some cases, this may take around 24 hours, particularly in elderly people and those who had memory problems before surgery.
Rarely, people have ongoing mental effects (such as fogginess or mild memory loss) for more than a week. This is called postoperative cognitive dysfunction.
There is no evidence that anaesthesia worsens how the brain works (cognitive function) in the longer term.
Leaving the recovery room
You will leave the recovery room when the nursing staff are satisfied that your vital signs are stable and that you are comfortable.
- Day surgery – You will be moved to the day surgery unit where you will get dressed and have something to eat and drink before going home. Your surgeon will often see you here to discuss the procedure.
- Inpatient surgery – If you are staying in hospital to recover, you will be moved from the recovery room to a ward.
Hospital ward
While you are recovering on the ward, nurses and doctors will check your progress regularly. They will usually take your blood pressure, pulse and temperature, look at your wound and change the dressing as needed.
Your health care team will also help you with the following:
Pain control
It is common to have some pain and discomfort for several days after surgery, but this can be controlled with pain medicines. Pain usually improves as the wound heals.
Let your doctor or nurse know if you are in pain so they can adjust your medicines to make you as comfortable as possible. Do not wait until the pain is severe. Pain relief options may include:
- an injection or ongoing infusion of local anaesthetic into the wound, near the spinal column (epidural), or near a nerve to block pain to a specific area of the body (nerve block)
- an injection of strong pain medicine into a muscle or under the skin
- a PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) device, which delivers a set dose of medicine through a plastic tube into a vein when you press a button
- tablets that can be immediate release (fast acting) or slow release (long acting); some tablets are taken regularly, others you can ask for if you still have pain.
Strong pain medicines can make bowel motions difficult to pass (constipation) so you may also be given laxatives.
Movement
Based on the surgeon’s recommendations, the nurses or a physiotherapist will encourage you to get out of bed and move around as soon as you feel up to it and it is safe to do so.
Moving around as much as possible will speed up your recovery and reduce the chance of blood clots, chest infections and wound infections.
A physiotherapist may teach you some breathing or coughing exercises to help keep your lungs clear.
Eating and drinking
Most people can start eating and drinking either the same day or the day after surgery. Some people begin by drinking clear fluids, moving on to other kinds of fluid, then plain foods and small meals.
Other people receive nutrition through a drip or a feeding tube for a short while rather than eating.
If you go home with a feeding tube, a dietitian will let you know the type and amount of feeding formula you need to take and how to care for the tube.
If the cancer and surgery affect your digestive system (e.g. mouth, throat, oesophagus, stomach, bowel), you will need to follow the dietitian’s advice about eating and drinking.
Bathing
The timing of your first shower depends on how you are feeling and the type of surgery that you have had. Some people shower the same day or the next day if they are up to it.
The nurses will probably encourage you to shower as soon as possible because it is a good reason to get out of bed.
They can help you if you need to remove dressings or cover them to keep them from getting wet. If you can’t get up and move, the nurses will help you bathe in bed.
Problems after surgery
Sometimes problems (complications) occur after surgery. It’s very unlikely that all of the problems described here would apply to you. Your surgeon can give you a better idea of the actual risks for your type of surgery.
Generally, the more complex the surgery is, the higher the chance of problems. Most complications are minor and can be treated easily, but some can have serious consequences.
Infection
The biggest risk of infection after surgery is at the wound site, but infection can also occur in the chest, in the urinary tract, and around the catheter site.
Sometimes the doctor will prescribe medicine before surgery to prevent infection (prophylactic antibiotics). In hospital, you will be checked for:
- signs of infection, such as tenderness, redness, swelling or a discharge around the wound
- cloudy urine
- cough
- shortness of breath, and
- chest pain.
After you go home, if the wound site is red, getting bigger, painful or oozing, have it checked by your GP, nurse or doctor.
If you are given antibiotics, it is important to take the full course to completely kill bacteria and prevent infection.
Bleeding
Bleeding can happen inside the body (internally) or outside the body (externally). Internal bleeding can occur if a blood vessel breaks free after surgery, and external bleeding can occur if a wound opens up.
Your medical team will manage any bleeding after surgery. This could include giving you a blood transfusion, further surgery to stop the bleeding, or an iron infusion to help restore haemoglobin levels in the blood.
Blood clots or DVT
To reduce the risk of developing blood clots in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis (deep vein thrombosis or DVT), you may have to wear compression stockings or have pills or injections of blood-thinning medicine for a couple of weeks after the surgery.
Lung problems
After surgery, it may be painful to breathe or cough for a period of time, particularly if you have had surgery to your chest or abdomen.
A physiotherapist will teach you breathing or coughing exercises to help keep your lungs clear and reduce the risk of a chest infection.
You will be encouraged to get out of bed and move around with help from the nurses and physiotherapists. Your medical team will observe your breathing and provide medicine to control any pain.
Weak muscles (atrophy)
Although you’ll need to rest after surgery, it’s important to get up and move around when it is safe to do so.
Based on your surgeon’s recommendations, a physiotherapist or nurse may help you to get moving and give you advice about the best exercises to do. If you aren’t mobile, your muscles may get weak (atrophy).
Generally, the sooner you are able to get up and move, the better your recovery will be.
Lymphoedema
If lymph nodes are removed, fluid can build up in the tissues under the skin and cause swelling. It’s common to have some swelling after surgery but this usually settles in the weeks afterwards.
If this swelling builds up over weeks or months, it is known as lymphoedema. It is important to seek help as soon as possible because early diagnosis and treatment lead to better outcomes.
Leaving hospital (discharge)
Day surgery
If you have day surgery, you will be discharged from hospital sometime after you leave the recovery room.
It’s important to arrange ahead of time for someone to take you home after surgery. The nurses will contact this person to tell them when you’ll be ready to leave.
If you live alone, you will need to organise another adult to stay with you the first night you are home, or arrange to stay with family or friends.
Inpatient
If you have surgery as an inpatient, you will be discharged when the medical team thinks you are healthy enough to leave.
Some people stay in hospital for a day or two, but others stay for longer – in some cases several weeks or, rarely, months.
Paperwork
Along with discharge papers, the medical team may give you other information, such as:
- scan and test results
- instructions about recovering at home
- guidelines about when to contact your doctor (see opposite page)
- the date for your follow-up appointment with your surgeon
- a medical certificate setting out how much time you will need off work
- insurance forms, bills or receipts
- a list of any medicines you are taking, prescriptions or a small supply of medicines (such as pain relief)
- referrals to support services such as a dietitian or social worker.
If you want specific paperwork (e.g. a letter for your employer) and it isn’t offered, you can ask for it from the doctor, nurses, receptionist or social worker.
You may want to make a copy of your paperwork for your records. In most cases, a copy is automatically sent to your GP.
Where to recover
Most people go home after discharge, but some people will go to an inpatient rehabilitation centre (often called a rehab hospital) to help them get safely back on their feet before going home.
Your medical team will give you information so you can continue to recover safely at home. If you are given medicines to take, make sure you know when and how to take them.
Taking care of yourself at home
Looking after yourself at home is one of the most important parts of your recovery. Your progress will depend on:
- the type of surgery you have
- what support you have at home
- your overall fitness and health, and
- whether you are having other cancer treatments.
A community nurse may visit to check on you and change any dressings, or you might see your GP. You may need to organise some equipment to help you move safely, such as a walker or shower chair.
Try to organise this before surgery so it is ready when you get home. A physiotherapist or occupational therapist can show you how to use this equipment.
Keep in mind that recovery will take time, and try not to expect too much of yourself.
Although it’s a good idea to stay active and do gentle exercise while you are recovering, it’s also important to follow your surgeon’s advice about any restrictions.
When to call the doctor or go back to hospital
The wound, pain and scar will take time to settle. Your medical team will tell you what to look out for and when to seek help.
As a general guide, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department if you have any of the following symptoms:
- increased bleeding, swelling, redness, pus or drainage, or an unusual smell from the wound or around any tubes, drains or stomas
- a fever of 38°C or higher
- chills or shivering
- swelling in your limbs
- sudden, severe pain
- pain or burning when urinating
- nausea or vomiting for 12 hours or more
- trouble breathing, walking or doing things you could do before surgery
- other symptoms or changes that the surgeon warned you to look out for.
Scar management
Surgery often leaves a scar. In most cases, your doctor will do everything they can to make the scar less noticeable.
How your scar looks will change over many months. Most scars will improve and fade with time.
Once the wound is fully healed, you may find it helpful to:
- moisturise the scar to reduce any itching
- do stretching exercises to improve your range of motion
- massage the scar a few times a day
- apply silicone tape or gel strips that put gentle pressure on the scar.
It’s important to avoid putting stress or strain on the wound until it is healed and there are no other medical issues such as blood clots, infections or trapped pockets of fluid under the skin (seroma).
Ask your surgeon when you can start treating your scar. It’s also important to protect scars from the sun, as sunburn can worsen scarring.
Talk to your surgeon, a physiotherapist or occupational therapist about other ways to improve the appearance of scars. A dermatologist may be able to treat problem scars with a laser.
What to expect when you return home
When you get home, be guided by your doctor’s instructions, but these general suggestions may help.
If you don’t have support from family, friends or neighbours, ask your nurse or a social worker at the hospital whether it is possible to get help at home while you recover.
Pain relief
- Take pain medicine as prescribed by your health care team.
- Strong pain medicine is usually used for only a short time after surgery as it can make you feel confused, sick or constipated.
- If your pain isn’t controlled, becomes worse, or if the medicine causes side effects, talk to your surgeon, the nurse listed on your discharge paperwork, or your GP.
- If your pain is severe, consider going to the emergency department.
Understanding cancer pain
Wound care
- Follow any instructions you are given about how to care for the wound.
- If the wound is left open, clean it with mild soap and warm water and pat it dry. Avoid putting lotions or perfumes on the wound and the area around it.
- If you have dressings, you might need to keep them dry while you shower.
- Your doctor or nurse will remove any stitches or staples at a follow-up appointment.
- If adhesive strips have been used, they should fall off within a few weeks, or you will be told when to remove them. Removing the strips too soon might cause the wound to open.
- Any bruising around the surgical site will fade over a few weeks.
- Avoid touching the wound or picking at scabs.
Drains and stomas
- Some people go home with a temporary drain or tube near the surgical site to collect extra fluid leaving the body.
- Before you leave the hospital, nurses will show you how to look after the drains at home until they are ready to come out. You may need to record how much fluid collects in the bag attached to the drain.
- Some people go home with a stoma. A stomal therapy nurse will see you after the operation to teach you how to look after the stoma.
Eating and drinking
- Your health care team may instruct you to follow a special diet.
- Some people feel sick after surgery. When you feel like eating, try basic foods such as rice and toast before going back to your usual diet.
- Eat fibre and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation, and avoid alcohol, especially if you are taking pain medicine.
- To help your body recover from surgery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of foods.
- A dietitian can help with any eating issues.
Nutrition and cancer
Self-care
- Unless you’ve been told otherwise, you will be able to shower. Gently wash your body and pat yourself dry. Depending on the type of surgery you had, you may not be able to take a bath for a few weeks after surgery.
- Strong pain medicines and long periods in bed can make you constipated. Avoid straining when going to the toilet. Talk to your treatment team about taking laxatives if needed.
- Some people have trouble controlling their bowel or bladder after some types of surgery. Incontinence is usually temporary. For support, see a continence nurse or call the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66.
Daily activities
- You may find that you tire easily and need to rest during the day. Get plenty of sleep and take breaks if you feel tired.
- Ask family or friends to assist you with household tasks, such as cooking and laundry.
- Check with your surgeon when you can start doing your regular activities and what to avoid – such as heavy lifting, swimming, driving or sexual intercourse.
- Gentle exercise can help reduce tiredness, build up strength, lift mood and speed up a return to usual activities. Follow your doctor’s advice about any restrictions.
Exercise and cancer
Rehabilitation (rehab)
Depending on the type of surgery you have, it may take many weeks or months to fully recover.
A range of therapies can support you in your recovery and show you ways to manage any longer term changes. These therapies are known as rehabilitation.
Hospital staff or your GP can organise referrals to any support services you need after surgery. Rehabilitation may be available at your cancer treatment centre, through a specialist at a rehabilitation hospital, or at home.
Your GP or specialist may also refer you to allied health professionals (e.g. physiotherapist, occupational therapist) in private practice. Ask to see a therapist experienced in working with people after cancer surgery.
Common types of rehabilitation therapy
Physiotherapy
A physiotherapist can help you learn how to move more easily, improve your range of motion, develop muscle strength and improve balance. They can tailor a program to help you return to your usual activities.
Find a physio
Speech therapy
A speech pathologist can help restore speech if your ability to speak clearly has been affected by surgery. They also work with people who have difficulty swallowing food and drink after cancer treatment.
Speech Pathology Australia
Occupational therapy
An occupational therapist can help you manage everyday personal tasks (e.g. showering, dressing). They can also give you strategies and aids to help you manage fatigue and maintain your independence.
Find an OT
Exercise physiology
An exercise physiologist can help with increasing physical activity and exercising safely to improve circulation and mobility, increase your heart and lung fitness, and help you return to your usual activities.
Exercise & Sports Science Australia
Nutritional support
A dietitian can explain how to manage any special dietary needs or any ongoing problems with food and eating after surgery. They can also help you choose the best foods for your situation.
Dietitians Australia
Follow-up appointments
The timing of your first follow-up appointment will depend on the type of surgery and your recovery. You may see the surgeon or your GP, depending on where you live and what the medical team recommends.
Your doctor will check your wound and remove any stitches, staples, adhesives or drains that are still in place. If your pathology results are available, your doctor will discuss these with you and tell you whether you will need any further treatment.
You will also be given advice about getting back to your normal activities. You may need to ask about your specific concerns, such as driving, exercising and going back to work.
You may continue to have regular appointments with your surgeon to monitor your health, manage any long-term side effects and check that the cancer hasn’t come back or spread.
During these check-ups, you will usually have a physical examination and you may have blood tests, x-rays or scans. You will also be able to discuss how you’re feeling and mention any concerns you may have.
When a follow-up appointment or test is approaching, many people find that they think more about the cancer and may feel anxious. Talk to your treatment team or call Cancer Council 13 11 20 if you are finding it hard to manage this anxiety.
How often you will need to see your doctor will depend on the type and stage of cancer. Check with your doctor if you are unsure about your follow-up plan.
Check-ups will be needed less often if you have no further problems. Between follow-up appointments, let your doctor know immediately of any symptoms or health problems.