Side effects can occur with any type of treatment, but not everyone has them or experiences them in the same way. Side effects of surgery will depend mainly on:
- the type and location of the surgery
- the person's overall health
- the effect of other cancer treatments (for example, radiated tissue may not heal well after surgery)
Side effects can happen any time during surgery. Some may happen during, immediately after, or a few days or weeks after surgery. Most side effects go away after surgery and the person has healed. However, some side effects may persist after surgery. Late side effects can occur months or years after treatment. Some side effects may last a long time or be permanent.
It is important to report side effects to the healthcare team.
Pain
Pain often occurs after surgery because of trauma to the tissue during surgery. Pain-relieving medications are used to control pain. It may take time for pain to decrease after surgery, depending on the procedure done, how the person heals or how they tolerate pain. If pain persists or pain medications are not relieving the pain, check with your doctor.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can occur because of the effects of general anesthesia used during surgery. Medications are often given to prevent and control nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting is usually a temporary side effect and often goes away a few days after surgery.
Inability to urinate
Sometimes people have trouble urinating after surgery (urinary retention). This occurs because of certain drugs that may be used, anesthesia or pain. When and how much the person urinates is monitored for a short time right after surgery.
Wound infection
Some people develop a wound infection after surgery. This is not a common side effect, but can potentially occur after any type of surgery. Sometimes tubes are placed into the wound to drain excess fluid. Antibiotics may be used to help prevent or treat an infection. Wound infections are a temporary side effect of surgery.
Report signs of infection such as redness, pus or foul-smelling drainage, increased swelling or tenderness of the incision site and increased temperature (fever) to the doctor or the healthcare team.
Lung problems
Lung problems can occur for a variety of reasons, such as the location of the incision, type of surgery done, pre-existing lung problems or smoking. Two main types of lung problems that may occur are lung infection (pneumonia) or a collapsed lung (atelectasis). Stopping smoking before surgery helps prevent lung infections and atelectasis. Frequent deep breathing and coughing, and turning in bed help reduce the chance of lung problems after surgery. The person may be given a special device called an incentive spirometer to breathe into to help them take deep breaths.
Report shortness of breath, fever, and a dry or productive cough to your doctor or the healthcare team.
Blood clots
A blood clot in the legs is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A DVT can occur right after surgery because of decreased mobility and other factors. In the most serious circumstances, a blood clot can break off and travel to the lungs (called a pulmonary embolus or PE) causing shortness of breath and low oxygen levels.
Stopping smoking before surgery helps reduce the risk of blood clots. Frequent position changes, leg and ankle exercises and early mobility also help reduce blood clots. Low doses of a blood thinner such as heparin, may be given to help reduce the risk of blood clots in people at high risk for developing them.
Report any redness, swelling, pain or cramps in the calf of the leg to your doctor or the healthcare team.
Bleeding
Bleeding or hemorrhage can occur if a blood vessel is not sealed off during surgery, or if the person has a blood clotting disorder. Nursing staff frequently check bandages and drains for excessive bleeding right after surgery. If bleeding occurs and is severe enough, the surgeon may have to take the person back to the operating room, to find where bleeding is coming from and to stop it.
A small amount of bloody drainage may be expected after surgery. Report excessive amounts to the doctor or the healthcare team.
Gastrointestinal problems
The intestines may be affected by the anesthetic and may not work as they should. This can cause a problem called paralytic ileus, in which the intestine becomes paralysed or inactive and stomach contents cannot move through the intestines. Fluids and foods taken by mouth (orally) are resumed gradually and a person's bowel activity is checked after surgery.
Separation of the wound
The edges of a wound are usually held in place with stitches or staples until the incision is healed enough to remove them. The edges of the wound may separate after surgery (dehiscence). Minor separation of the skin edges may not be a serious problem. Separation of underlying muscle or fat edges can be more serious and might result in the protrusion of an organ or tissue (hernia) occurring later on. Strenuous physical activity is usually avoided for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery to help prevent dehiscence.
Report gaping of the incision, an incision that doesn't heal, or a feeling that the incision has 'given way' to the doctor or the healthcare team.
Nerve pain
Nerve pain may occur after surgery, when surgery has been done on tissues close to the nerves. Nerve pain can appear long after surgery is over and may last a long time.
Nerve damage
Nerve damage may occur if nerves are damaged or removed during some surgeries. This can cause a loss of feeling (numbness) or changes in sensation. Nerve damage can appear long after surgery is over and may last a long time.
Swelling of the limbs
Swelling of limbs (lymphedema) is due to fluid build-up that can occur when lymph nodes are removed. Lymphedema may appear long after surgery is over and may last a long time.
Scarring
Scarring occurs as part of the healing process after surgery. Scars often are visible for a long time or are permanent, but they often fade over time.