What is postoperative care?

Postoperative Care

What instructions might you get after surgery?

Your instructions after surgery will cover which medicines to take and when, your level of activity, what foods to eat, and the use of special equipment. You will also get instructions on taking care of your incision, including bathing, changing the bandage, and symptoms to look for that may be a problem.

When can you be active again after surgery?

One of the most important things you can do for yourself after surgery is to get up and move around several times a day. But be careful not to do too much.

Here are some tips:

  • Don't move quickly or lift anything heavy until your doctor says it is okay.
  • Taking short walks is a good way to help your body heal.
  • Rest when you feel tired.

Your doctor may give you instructions on when you can do your normal activities again, such as driving, having sex, and going back to work.

What do you need to know about taking medicines after surgery?

Your doctor will talk with you about restarting your medicines. The doctor will also tell you about taking any new medicines.

  • If you take aspirin or some other blood thinner, be sure to talk to your doctor. You will be told if and when to start taking those medicines again.
  • If your doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you aren't taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.

What do you need to know about giving your child medicines after surgery?

Your doctor will talk with you about restarting any of your child's medicines and starting any new medicines.

If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed. If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.

What do you need to know about eating after surgery?

If your doctor told you when you can start eating and what foods you can eat, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:

  • You can eat your normal diet when you feel well. Start with small amounts of food.
  • If your bowel movements aren't regular right after surgery, try to avoid constipation and straining. Drink plenty of water. Your doctor may suggest fiber, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.

What do you do if your child has infection or pain after surgery?

Infection

If your child has signs of infection, call your doctor. These signs include:

  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the incision.
  • Pus draining from the incision.
  • A fever.

Pain

Also call the doctor if your child has pain that doesn't get better after your child takes pain medicine. A baby or child in pain may show certain signs. A child with severe pain will have more of these behaviors and may be harder to comfort. Look for:

  • Changes in usual behavior. Your child may eat less or be fussy or restless.
  • Crying that can't be comforted.
  • Grunting or breath-holding.
  • Facial expressions. Your child may have a wrinkled forehead, closed eyes, or look angry.
  • Sleep changes, such as waking often or sleeping more or less than usual.
  • Body movements. Your child may make fists, protect a part of the body (especially while walking), kick, cling to someone who holds him or her, or not move.

What do you need to know when you leave the hospital after surgery?

Everyone recovers from surgery at a different pace. Your discharge plan will help you leave the hospital safely. It will outline the care you need. You will get information about your medicines, when to see your doctor again, and how to take care of your bandages. You'll also learn about activity and diet.

How to change an incision bandage

Before you start, make sure you have gauze pads, a box of medical gloves, surgical tape, a plastic bag, and scissors.

  1. Prepare supplies by opening the gauze packages and cutting new tape strips.
  2. Wash and dry your hands. Put on medical gloves.
  3. Loosen the tape around the old bandage.
  4. Remove the old bandage.
  5. If your doctor told you to do so, clean the incision.

    Use these steps.

    Gently wash it with soap and water to remove the crust.
    Do not scrub or soak the wound.
    Do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine, which can harm the tissue and slow wound healing.
    Air-dry the incision or pat it dry with a clean, fresh towel before reapplying the bandage.
  6. Inspect the incision for signs of infection.
  7. Hold a clean, sterile gauze pad by the corner and place over the incision.
  8. Use a few strips of tape to hold the gauze pad in place.
  9. Put all trash in a plastic bag. Remove your gloves last.
  10. Seal plastic bag and throw it away.
  11. Wash your hands.

What are some common concerns after surgery?

The most common problems after surgery are pneumonia, bleeding, infection, bruising or blood clotting (hematoma) at the surgery site, and reactions to the anesthesia. Inflammation or nerve injury from the surgery can cause pain. Side effects of anesthesia include nausea and constipation. These concerns can be treated. Treatments will help you be more comfortable.

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