Postoperative care

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Postoperative care refers to the care that a patient receives following a surgical procedure. The type of postoperative care required depends on the type of surgery performed, the individual's health history, and the person's age.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Postoperative care is intended to help the body heal and recover from the stress of surgery. It includes pain management, wound care, and prevention of complications such as infection and blood clots. The care begins immediately after surgery and continues throughout the recovery period.

Pain Management[edit | edit source]

Pain management is a critical part of postoperative care. Pain can interfere with a patient's ability to heal and recover. Pain management strategies may include medications, physical therapy, and relaxation techniques.

Wound Care[edit | edit source]

Wound care involves cleaning and dressing the surgical wound to prevent infection. It may also involve monitoring the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and increased pain.

Prevention of Complications[edit | edit source]

Preventing complications is a key aspect of postoperative care. This may involve measures such as deep breathing exercises to prevent pneumonia, leg exercises to prevent blood clots, and careful monitoring of vital signs.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Postoperative care Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD