Risk is part of any kind of Surgery. While science and medical technology have made Surgery a safe and effective treatment choice, there is still a chance of possible complications and side effects. However, in many cases, the benefits of Surgery outweigh the threats. This is one of the justifications of why learning about cancer and Cancer Treatment is essential. The more you know about cancer surgery, the more informed your choices will be. Until you seek surgery, make sure to address the following possible problems with your cancer care team:
Some of the risks of cancer Surgery are:
- Pain: Pain is a common side effect of almost all surgeries. Some people experience more Pain than others do. Your doctor will tell you how to minimize your Pain and provide medication to eliminate or reduce your Pain.
- Infection: The site of your Surgery may become infected. Your doctor will advise you how to take care of your wound following Surgery. You will have to practice this regimen closely to prevent infection. This will add to faster recovery. In certain cases, if an infection occurs, the doctor may treat it with antibiotics.
- Loss of organ function: The surgeon may need to remove the whole organ to treat the cancer. If you have kidney cancer, a kidney (nephrectomy) may be performed. For some of these surgeries, the remaining organ may function adequately to cover the loss, but you may be left with disabilities. For e.g, removal of the lung (pneumonectomy) can cause trouble breathing.
- Bleeding: All patients undergoing surgeries are at risk of bleeding. Your surgeon is going to try to minimize this risk. You might require blood transfusion either during the Surgery or after it.
- Blood clots: When you are healing from surgery, you are at an elevated risk of building up a blood clot. Although the risk is small, its consequences may be serious. Blood clots most often occur in the legs and can cause some swelling and discomfort. A blood clot that breaks down and travels to the lung (pulmonary embolism) is harmful and sometimes deadly. Your surgeon will take measures to prevent blood clots from forming, such as getting you up and out of bed as quickly as possible. following Surgery or administering a blood-thinning drug to minimize the chance of clots.
- Altered feature of the stomach and bladder: Right after surgery, you may have difficulty having a bowel movement or urinating. This normally settles within a few days, depending on the particular procedure.
Whatever medical care your doctor may recommend, you are likely to feel some Anxiety about your condition and the treatment process. Knowing what to expect can help you. Use this material to help you ask knowledgeable questions while you have a consultation with your doctor.
