How long after adrenal tumor removal surgery can I eat?

After adrenal tumor removal surgery, you can generally drink water or eat liquid food in moderation 6-8 hours after the surgery. The specific time should be determined according to the surgical method, the patient's recovery and the doctor's advice. Dietary recovery should follow the principle of gradual transition, from liquid to semi-liquid to normal diet.

1) Basic principles of dietary recovery after surgery

Adrenal tumor resection surgery is usually performed laparoscopically or openly. The temporary inhibitory effect of postoperative anesthetics and surgery on the gastrointestinal tract requires a certain amount of time for gastrointestinal function to recover. The criteria for resuming diet are that the patient has no obvious nausea and vomiting, the intestines have recovered and flatulence has been restored, and the principle of "small amounts and multiple times" is followed. 6-8 hours after surgery, the patient can gradually try to drink a small amount of warm water, rice soup and other liquid foods, and then gradually transition to a normal diet based on the tolerance of gastrointestinal function. In particular, you should avoid eating foods that are easy to cause bloating or difficult to digest in the early postoperative period.

2) Effects of different surgical methods on dietary recovery

-Laparoscopic surgery: less trauma and faster recovery. In most cases, you can drink water 6 hours after surgery. The hospital usually starts a liquid diet within one day after surgery and transitions to a normal diet within two to three days under the doctor's evaluation.

-Open surgery: The trauma is slightly greater and the recovery is slower. In this case, you may need to start a liquid diet 1 day after the surgery, and it may take 3-5 days to fully resume a normal diet.

Regardless of the surgical method, if the patient experiences nausea, vomiting, or intestinal function has not recovered (such as no flatulence) after the operation, he or she should postpone eating and strictly follow the doctor's instructions.

3) Recommended postoperative diet

-Liquid food: Warm water, light salt water, rice soup or oil-free broth are recommended in the early postoperative period. Avoid irritating foods.

-Semi-liquid food: such as rice porridge, soft noodles, soy milk, etc., are easy for the body to absorb and promote postoperative recovery.

-Normal food: When you resume your normal diet later, you can choose light and easily digestible food, such as steamed eggs, fish, vegetable puree, etc. Avoid spicy, irritating and oily food.

Postoperative dietary recovery is an important part of recovery. You must gradually adjust your diet plan under the guidance of a doctor according to the surgical method and recovery status. If you experience any abnormalities, such as severe abdominal pain or digestive dysfunction, you must contact a doctor in time for treatment.