Post-Surgical Recovery
Overview
Post-surgical recovery in oncology refers to the constellation of qi and blood deficiency, spleen-stomach weakness, and internal blood stasis that arise after tumor surgery. Surgery consumes qi and blood, damages the meridians, and severely depletes original qi, leading to dysfunction of the zang-fu organs. Clinically, patients present with fatigue, pale complexion, poor appetite, wound pain, and local swelling. In TCM, the root is healthy qi deficiency, while blood stasis, qi stagnation, and phlegm-dampness constitute the branch. Treatment should support the healthy qi and dispel pathogens, regulate qi and blood, strengthen the spleen and harmonize the stomach, invigorate blood and resolve stasis, thereby promoting functional recovery.
Pattern differentiation (clinical patterns)
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Fatigue, pale or sallow complexion, dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, poor appetite, slow wound healing, pale tongue with thin white coating, and a fine weak pulse.
Supplement qi and nourish blood; strengthen the spleen and nourish the heart.
Spleen-Stomach Weakness
Abdominal distension, poor appetite, loose stools, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, sallow complexion, clear thin wound discharge, pale tongue with white greasy coating, and a soft weak pulse.
Strengthen the spleen and supplement qi; harmonize the stomach and transform dampness.
Internal Blood Stasis
Fixed stabbing wound pain aggravated by pressure, local bruising and swelling, possible palpable induration, dark complexion, dry scaly skin, dark purple tongue with ecchymosis, and a choppy pulse.
Invigorate blood and resolve stasis; unblock the collaterals and relieve pain.
Connections
Daily care & prevention
Rest quietly after surgery and increase activity gradually, avoiding overexertion. Diet should be light, easy to digest, and nutritious; consume Chinese yam porridge, astragalus stewed chicken, and red date longan soup to supplement qi and blood. Keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infection. Maintain emotional balance and avoid worry and anger. Moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36) and Qihai (CV6), or massage of the limbs, can promote qi and blood circulation. Attend regular follow-ups and follow medical advice for rehabilitation training.
When to seek medical care
Seek immediate medical attention if high fever with chills, wound redness, swelling, or discharge, severe pain, massive bleeding, difficulty breathing, or confusion occurs. Persistent non-healing after surgery, continuous weight loss, or new masses warrant vigilance for tumor recurrence or metastasis and timely specialist evaluation.