After brain tumour surgery

After surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area for about an hour. Then you will go to the neurosurgery ward, where you will have neurological tests like reflex checks and answering questions to check how your brain is working.

You will have a bandage or dressing on your head. It is normal for your head to be sore, swollen or bruised after surgery. You will be prescribed painkillers for this and steroids to help decrease the swelling. You can eat, drink and start moving around as soon as you feel able. Often people can get out of bed and move around on the first day after their surgery.

Going home

Often people go home 1-5 days after surgery, but it varies from person to person.

Before you go home, you will be given a date to come back for a check-up and to discuss pathology results. These are laboratory tests done on a sample of the tumour.

You may also have to visit the hospital or your GP so that your wound can be checked and sutures/clips can be removed if required.

Help at home

If you live alone or have problems getting around the house, talk to your nurse or medical social worker. They can help to organise any community services you may need. This may include visits from an occupational therapist or public health nurse. The medical social worker can also advise you about social welfare benefits or entitlements you can apply for. We have more information on benefits and entitlements. 

If you don’t feel well after surgery

Contact a member of the team as soon as possible if you:

• Feel drowsy
• Have weakness in your limbs, problems with speech or vision, or if you have a seizure
• Have a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
• Have diarrhoea for more than 24 hours
• Feel unwell or vomit
• Have problems with your wound such as redness, swelling or a discharge
• Have symptoms again that you had before your treatment
• Have an increase in pain that is not relieved by taking regular pain medication
• Develop excessive thirst or pass urine more regularly
• Become confused

If you have any other worry or symptom that is causing you concern before your check-up date, contact your nurse specialist or hospital ward for advice.