Q. When can I drink alcohol after the colon cancer surgery?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
The answer to this question depends on the individual's unique case, as well as the type of surgery and recovery timeline. Generally speaking, it is recommended that patients avoid alcohol for at least three weeks after their colon cancer surgery until they are sure that the wound has completely healed. During this period of no alcohol consumption, it is important to eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest in order to help ensure a complete and successful recovery during this time.
It is also important to note that following treatment for colorectal cancer, many patients experience long term consequences such as fatigue or other changes in bowel habits which may be impacted by the presence of alcohol. As such, always talk with your doctor about how much (or how little) drinking you can safely do once you have recovered from your surgery. Additionally, even if you are cleared after three weeks post-op, moderation should still be practiced with regards to consuming alcoholic beverages due to potential negative health impacts associated with excessive drinking even outside of recovery periods after surgeries or treatments related to cancers.