Gastric Leiomyoma: How Long to Recover and Return to Work After Minimally Invasive Surgery

Gastric leiomyomas vary in size and location, which directly affects the choice of treatment and the recovery timeline. Patients often wonder how soon they can resume work and daily activities after undergoing minimally invasive surgery.

For small, pedunculated tumors less than 2 cm in diameter, endoscopic removal is typically recommended. This procedure is minimally invasive and usually does not require a long recovery period. Most patients can gradually return to a normal diet within a few days and resume work within 3 to 5 days after the procedure, provided there are no complications.

It is important to maintain a healthy diet and avoid spicy, irritating, or cold foods post-surgery to support healing. Eating regular meals and avoiding gastrointestinal stress can help speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

However, for larger or multiple tumors that cause symptoms such as bleeding or obstruction, or when malignancy is suspected, laparoscopic surgery may be necessary. This method involves a slightly longer recovery time due to the more invasive nature of the procedure. Patients generally need to stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery and can typically return to work within two weeks if they are otherwise healthy and have no other underlying conditions.

Patients with complex health issues such as heart, lung, or liver diseases may need more time to recover before resuming normal activities. It is always best to follow your doctor's recommendations based on your individual health status and the specifics of your surgery.

In summary, the time it takes to return to work depends on the type of procedure performed, the patient's overall health, and how well they follow post-operative care instructions. Proper rest, nutrition, and medical follow-up are key to a smooth recovery.