That's interesting....my mom has the exact thing you describe. She had the surgery, was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer, and now has a persistant (shallow) cough. She has had it for the past 4 months and nobody can figure out what it is. Sorry I can't offer any suggestions, but I'm curious if you get any answers.
Was your mother "tubed" when under the anesthetic? Sometimes the tube causes a persistant throat irritation. A mixture of honey and lemon juice seems to help heal and ease the throat. Mix it with some warm tea. No sugar though.
Hi 4Mom, When I had my surgery and during my stay at the hospital, I had a cough similar to your mom's. The doctor told me that I was sensitive to the pain killers. I don't have an answer for why it would be persistent after the hospital stay. Mind you, right now, I'm not taking any pain killers except Advil once in a blue moon. Good luck...