Diet and precautions after rectal cancer surgery

Diet and precautions after rectal cancer surgery:

1. The diet after rectal cancer surgery should be gradually transitioned from fasting and liquid food to semi-liquid food and ordinary food. Attention should also be paid to work and rest, postoperative care, regular review and other precautions.

2. Fasting should be done for 3 to 4 days after surgery. Patients can drink a small amount of water or use enteral nutrition powder. Semi-liquid food, such as noodles, wontons, porridge, etc., can be eaten appropriately one week after surgery. Easily digestible low-residue food can be eaten two weeks after surgery. Excessive consumption of high-fiber foods such as leeks, celery, and sweet potatoes can be reduced, and consumption of foods that are easy to produce gas, such as milk and beans, can be reduced. If you eat too much, it may cause intestinal discomfort such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloating. Rectal cancer patients should pay attention to rest after surgery, avoid overwork, walk less, avoid strenuous exercise to pull the wound, keep the fistula clean and dry, and prevent cross infection and inflammation. Go to the hospital for regular check-ups and receive treatment under the guidance of a professional doctor.

3. After being discharged from the hospital, rectal cancer patients should have a balanced diet, choose a low-fiber, low-fat, high-protein diet, eat small meals frequently, and develop a good habit of regular bowel movements. Patients can also perform appropriate rehabilitation training such as anal lifting exercises after surgery.