Post-Operative Care in General and Minimal Access Surgery
Due to many reasons, one may have to undergo surgery. As we all know, undergoing the pain before the surgery, during the surgery and after the surgery is not easy to bear. However, if proper care is not taken post-surgery, then it can complicate the case and you may have to undergo another surgery, in worst scenario!
Post-operative care mostly implies taking care of the wound and management of pain. The surgeon usually briefs the patient’s relatives about the after effects of the surgery and chances of complications if any. It is necessary to ask questions and gather all the information about what to expect during and after the surgery.
Minimal invasive surgeries require lesser time to recover because of smaller incisions as compared to general surgeries. Hence, there is lesser risk of infections and complications compared to traditional surgeries. Also, there is little pain and scarring comparatively.
Post-operative care has two stages depending upon the type of surgery. First is post-operative care in the hospital itself and the other is at home after discharge. If it is an in-patient surgery the patient may have to stay longer in the hospital so that he can be under the care of the doctors and the hospital staff to ensure better and faster recovery. The patient may be transferred to a recovery room and all his vital signs like pulse, blood pressure, oxygen levels will be monitored carefully and frequently. If it is an outpatient surgery, then the patient may be discharged the same day after ensuring his recoveryand on his ability to resume his normal routines. The doctors will monitor the progress and then if sufficiently recovered will begin the process of discharge. However, he may require short term follow-ups with the doctor.
When a patient is discharged, the doctors will instruct about the medicines needed to be taken and other subjects like that of diet, rest, future checkups etc. which have to be followed precisely and without fail. Some cases may require the help of trained nurses to take care of the patient at home even after he or she is discharged.In this case, it is necessary that you must hire a nurse for proper care at home.
Post-operative care mostly involves taking care of the surgery area that it is clean and well covered to avoid infections. It is normal to experience a little pain or discomfort in both types of surgery. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate medicines which will help to manage the pain.
The patients should take care to gradually increase their level of daily activity otherwise it might strain the area of surgery.It is better to avoid heavy activities like exercising, swimming or cycling. Also, it is advisable not to take a bath for at least 48 hours after surgery.The patients must ensure that they have adequate consumption of water to prevent dehydration as well as constipation.
Diet plays an important role in recovery. Always ask your doctor about the diet you need to take. Recommended foods to be given must be light and easy to digest. Avoid foods which are oily or spicy. Avoid driving any vehicle for at least 2 days after discharge. In the event of any complications like fever, increased pain or any discomfort, the doctor should be immediately informed. All these precautions if followed properly will reduce the risk of complications and ensure speedy recovery and a resuming of normal life.
After any surgery be it general or minimal access, it becomes necessary to take care of yourself to ensure proper recovery and to resume to normal routine as quickly as possible. Improper knowledge about post-operative care can lead to an unsuccessful recovery and related complications, which are not easy to tackle. Doctors from Spring Meadows Hospital always keep their patients informed about the need for the good quality care that a patient may require.
