Diet in Thoracic Surgery – Experts advice by dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri.

Thoracic surgery refers to surgeries of lungs, esophagus, chest wall, and mediastinum. It is a significant step to treating lung cancer, thymoma or chest infections. Although surgery is considered primary in the treatment, diet and nutrition play a critical role in ensuring that recovery is smooth, complications are minimized, and life after surgery is healthy.

According to Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri, a prominent robotic Thoracic Surgeon at the Mendicancy called Medanta that is situated at Gurgaon, says, that surgery and diet are intertwined- good nutrition after and before surgery can mimic results and healing significantly.

Puri describes all elements of diet in thoracic surgery in his clinical perspective below.

Why is Diet Important Before Thoracic Surgery?

The preoperative period is a very crucial preparation period. A balanced diet:

1 Boosts the immunity to combat infections.

2 Enhances the functioning of the lungs and heart.

3 Maintains normal blood sugar and pressure levels decrease exposure to anesthesia.

4 Reserves energy to surface stress of surgery.

Dr. Puri also emphasizes that, when well-nourished at home before the surgery, the ability to heal faster and shorter hospital stays are usually observed in the cases of problems among patients.

What Foods Should You Avoid Before Surgery?

1 There are some foods and habits that can become barriers to anesthesia, healing, and recovery. Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri recommends patients to avoid:

2 Fried and oily based food- may result in both acidity and nausea post- anesthesia

3 Low nutrition and high sodium Gluten-free foods are highly processed.

4 Currant drink- it influences the clotting of blood and makes the liver weak.

5 Large amount of caffeine- it causes dehydration.

6 Smoking – this kills lung performance and increases the operating risk.

He emphasizes the fact that it is important to quit smoking at least 2-3 weeks before operation in order to improve the outcome.

The therapeutic importance of nutrition in Rapid convalescence following Thoracic surgery –

1 Thoracic surgery exerts a lot of pressure on the body. Nutrition fuels healing:

2 Mends tissues and surgical wounds.

3 Enhances the immune system to reduce infections.

4 Revitalizes anesthetic trauma after anesthesia and hospitalization.

5 ANTI-month (avoids loss of muscles) when recovering.

To create individual diet plans for every patient, Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri usually seeks the assistance of a dietitian at Medanta.

Samouic Food to Eat immediately after Thoracic Surgery?

1 At the post-surgery stage, the digestion is weak and the body requires easy-to-digest nutrition.             Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri recommends:

2 There are clear liquid foods, i.e., soups, vegetable broths, and fresh fruit juices.

3 Soft food – khichdi, oatmeal, mashed potatoes.

4 Steamed vegetables -they dig easily, contain antioxidants too.

5 Light proteins – curd, boiled eggs, dal, tofu.

He tells them to start small frequent meals so as not to be bloated or experience chest pressure.

High Protein Diet and the value of this diet in the recovery process.

Proteins build recovery. They:

1 Help repair tissues

2 Maintain muscle mass after surgery.

3 Support the immune system

Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri recommends:

1 Eggs, chicken, fish

2 Paneer, curd, soy products

3 Lentils, pulses, nuts

Protein supplements are also used in recovering faster in certain instances.

Antioxidants and Vitamins/ Minerals Helpful in Healing the Lungs.

1 Vitamin C – citrus fruits, wound healing.

2 Vitamin D – increases the power of lungs and the immune system.

3 Zinc – speeds tissue recovery

4 Iron -precludes anemia and helps to deliver oxygen.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri makes sure that patients get the required amount of vitamins either in the form of food or on prescription by the doctor.

Hydration Hub: Why It’s Important to Drink an Adequate Amount of Water after Surgery.

Post thoracic operative patients need water explained by Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri :

1 Hydrates the airways and prevents the occurrence of mucus.

2 Avoids constipation of drugs used to relieve pain.

3 Assists expel toxins and medicines of anesthesia.

Foods that can be used to decrease inflammatory response following GIS.

After surgery, inflammation is a natural process; however, they can be minimized by the following foods:

1 Salmon, tuna, sardines (good source of omega 3)

2 Turmeric, ginger

3 Walnuts, flaxseeds

4 Berries, spinach, broccoli

According to Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri, the anti-inflammatory diets made lung patients be able to expire and recuperate.

Management of Malnutrition and Formidable Loss in Thoracic.

Chest surgery causes weight loss due to lack of appetite and problems with swallowing. Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri’s plan includes:

1 Smoothies with a high amount of calories and milk, nuts and fruits.

2 High-energy snacks, in the form of protein bars and shakes.

3 Nutritional fortified meals in mini doses.

This prevents falling patients to malnutrition that slows healing.

Are Supplements in agreement with Postoperative Recovery-enhancement in Chest Surgery?

These are supplements, but not without the direction of the doctor. Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri may prescribe:

1 Protein powders

2 Vitamin D and calcium

3 Omega‑3 capsules

4 Multivitamins

He cautions against self-prescription because harmful supplements that do not need test results should be avoided as they may damage the liver or disrupt drugs.

What is Different in the Diet of Meeting Patients with Surgery on Lung Cancer?

Chemotherapy or radiation is usually added to surgery on lung cancer patients. Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri advises:

1 large-protein and big-calorie foods to avoid this feeling of weakness.

2 strengthen the immune system by using fruits and vegetables.

3 Foods that contain antioxidants (amla, berries, Spinach)

4 Non spicy, soft foods to take difficult to swallow

Significance of little, regular Meals After Thoracic Surgery.

Instead of large meals, Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri suggests that people should take 5-6 small meals per day. Benefits:

1 Easier breathing

2 Less bloating

3 Steady energy supply

4 Better digestion

Immunity and Prevention Infections – food improves both immunity and prevents infections.

An effective immune system is very important following chest surgery. Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri suggests:

1 Orange (oranges, lemons, amla)

2 Probiotic rich products such as yogurts.

3 Garlic and ginger

4 Leafy greens

Difficulty swallowing after surgery What to eat?

Swallowing difficulties are common among a large number of patients. Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri recommends:

1 Thick soups and purees

2 Smoothies and milkshakes

3 Mashed potatoes, khichdi, or dal.

4 Protein shakes

The Dietitian role in Thoracic Surgery Revival.

Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri collaborates with dieticians to create individual nutrition. It is beneficial to every patient whether he or she has the lung, esophageal, or even chest wall surgery.

Thoracic Surgical Patients Sample Meal Plan by Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri.

Breakfast – oats, milk and nuts.

Mid-Morning- Fresh Smoothie or Apple juice.

Lunch- Rice, dal, grilled fish or chicken.

Evening Snack- Yogurt, honey and berries.

Dinner- Delicate vegetable soup with paneer or tofu.

Prior to sleeping- warm turmeric milk.

Why Easy on Alcohol and Smoking as well as Dietary Pierre?

Alcohol as well as smoking damages lung tissue and slows the healing. Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri firmly recommends not to take them as they damage lung health.

Prolonged Dietary Recommendations post Thoracic Surgery.

1. Have a balanced diet of protein, fiber and vitamins.
2. Hydrate yourself – make sure that you are drinking at least 2 liters of water daily.
3. Avoid processed food and high fructose food.
4. Eat small, frequent meals.

Myths and facts  of Diet in Thoracic surgery patients.

Myth: Supplements can replace healthy meals.

Fact: Whole foods are always superior.

Myth: Only medicines heal the body.

Fact: Nutrition plays a vital role in healing.

Myth: Heavy meals will help regain strength faster.

Fact: Small, frequent meals are better for recovery.

Final Thoughts

Postoperative thoracic prosthesis recuperation is highly dependent upon nutrition. Every bite counts not only on the day preceding operation but also on the post-operation date. assisted by Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri, the patients are provided with the finest surgical services along with sound nutritional guidance on how to intervene and recover timely and better their lives.

Talk to Dr. Harsh Vardhan Puri, Senior Consultant and Robotic Thoracic Surgeon, Medanta a Medicity, Gurgaon in case of a thoracic surgery procedure planning of the patient or healthcare loved one. The combination of his patient-first attitude, prowess in robotic-assisted surgery and recovery-based orientation have earned him the trust of patients in India as one of the most trusted thoracic surgeons.