Surgery for cancer

Surgery is a procedure to remove or repair some of the tissue in your body. It is one of the main treatments for some cancers. But you may also have it for other reasons.

You normally have a pre operative assessment and some tests to prepare you for surgery. But there are also things you can do to prepare yourself.

Your nurse makes sure you are ready for surgery. And you see your surgeon and anaesthetist. When it is time, you go to the operating theatre.

What happens after surgery depends on the type of anaesthetic, operation and how well you recover. You normally have a wound. And you may have some tubes and drains when you wake up.

There is a risk of complications after any surgery. This includes infection, blood clots and pain. Other problems can depend on what operation you have.