Post Surgery Conditions: How to Relieve Pain and Recover

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting – can be a side effect of anaesthesia or analgesics
• Lesser appetite
• Swelling and bruising

Post-surgery symptoms may vary depending on the type of surgery performed, the patient’s health, age and many other factors.

If you are experiencing anything unusual, do not hesitate to consult your doctor immediately. This may indicate post-surgery complications, and these should be dealt with immediately.

What is an operation?

An operation is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon examines or treats a patient using various surgical techniques and instruments. Surgery may involve the removal of part of an organ. ^[1]

Post-operation is the period that follows the surgical procedure. It includes the recovery and convalescence phase.

The course of recovery after surgery and its duration vary depending on the type of surgery. Pain management and wound care are usually the most important aspects of post-operative care. The post-operative process often also includes physiotherapy and other procedures to enable a return to normal life. To ensure a smooth and speedy recovery, it is important to follow the instructions of doctors and other health professionals. ^[2]

• The most common form of wound infection is superficial infection during the first week after surgery.
• A complication in the form of wound spacing occurs most often between the 7th and 10th day after the procedure.
• Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are among the main postoperative complications and are often fatal for patients. ^[3]

Every operation has its risks. After the procedure, there may be various unpleasantnesses that gradually subside, or postoperative complications that affect the surgical site or the whole organism.

Inconveniences include:

– nausea and vomiting caused by anesthesia,
– throat irritation after intubation (insertion of a tube into the airway to ensure breathing during surgery),
– pain and swelling at the site of surgery,
– fatigue and difficulty sleeping,
– various digestive problems.

The most common post-operation complications of a serious nature are:

• Shock – a condition that threatens the life of the patient due to circulatory failure and impaired organ function.
• Bleeding – loss of blood at the site of the procedure.
• Pulmonary complications – changes in breathing depth and limited coughing in the first two days after surgery can lead to various breathing difficulties.
• Deep vein thrombosis – the formation of a blood clot in a large vein in the legs, arms or other part of the body.
• Pulmonary embolism – the wedging of a blood clot in the lungs, which fundamentally disrupts their function.
• Infection in the wound – inflammation can threaten the healing of the wound and the surrounding tissues or organs.
• Urinary retention – after surgery, voiding may be impaired, for example due to catheterisation during surgery.

All of these conditions require prompt intervention by a physician who will determine the appropriate course of action and treatment. Depending on the type of complication, this may include respiratory support, blood transfusion, administration of antibiotics and blood thinners, or reopening of the surgical wound. ^[4]

Complications after surgery are also divided into early postoperative complications and late postoperative complications.
Early postoperative complications include: fever, pain, changes in perception, bleeding, thrombosis, urological problems or impaired wound healing. Late postoperative complications include: hernia, various adhesions, failure of the operation and the need to repeat the procedure, keloid scar (thick raised scar).^[5]

In many cases, early postoperative complications occur during hospitalisation and can therefore be detected and managed by a doctor in the hospital. Possible late complications indicate that it is necessary to monitor the health status even after discharge to home treatment and to seek medical care in case of any doubts. In general, after surgery, it is necessary to monitor mainly pain, fever, swelling and signs of infection^.[6]

Successful recovery and strengthening of the weakened body are essential steps for patients after surgery to get back to work and daily activities.
What is key in recovery?

• Remember to take all medications as recommended by your doctor.
• Monitor your health to detect any complications early.
• Take care of your diet – healthy foods and plenty of protein and vitamins will strengthen your whole body.
• Don’t overexert yourself and rest.
• Return to physical activity should be gradual. ^[7]

The first postoperative days can be marked by pain. The type and intensity of pain depends on the type and extent of the operation. Accordingly, the doctor will determine what pain medication will be most appropriate.
The most commonly used medications for postoperative pain include:

• Opioids – drugs intended for moderate to severe pain.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – relieve mild pain, reduce inflammation and reduce swelling
• Paracetamol – counteracts mild pain and fever, has no anti-inflammatory effects. ^[8]

Taking pain medication provides relief from discomfort, facilitates recovery after surgery and reduces the risk of certain postoperative complications.

Postoperative treatment may also include local anaesthetics to provide local anaesthesia and prevent pain perception. If the patient’s postoperative condition requires it, doctors may also administer psychoactive drugs that affect consciousness, emotions and mood.

Postoperative pain management measures also include cold compresses, various relaxation techniques and alternative pain relief methods. ^[9]

If the patient’s condition immediately after surgery is uncomplicated, they are transferred from the intensive care unit to a regular hospital room after a short period of time. The length of stay in the ICU ranges from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of surgery.

The postoperative condition and its prognosis are related to the underlying disease and the reason for the operation. In general, if patients follow all instructions and recommendations from the doctor, they will gradually recover and return to normal life in the home environment. ^[13]

• Surgery and subsequent recovery can cause loss of muscle mass. Before and after surgery, it is therefore worthwhile to ensure a good diet with sufficient nutrients and protein.
• A proper diet will help speed recovery and reduce the risk of various post-operative complications.
• Do not forget to drink enough. Hydration is important for circulation.
• After surgery, start moving as soon as possible to regain the muscle strength you need.
• Follow the advice of your doctor or physiotherapist. ^[14]