Социална мрежа за здравето - с грижа за вашето здраве

The advancement of modern surgical techniques and existing infections determine the overall profile of modern surgery as relatively safe. However, any medical intervention hides a risk, and surgical procedures are no exception. The risk is determined by the type of operation and the experience of the surgeon and his team. The general health status of the patient, the specificity of the disease, the duration of the intervention, the anesthesia used, the intensive post-operative care and a number of other factors are also to be taken into account. A key point in the risk assessment is that the expected benefits of the procedure should outweigh the potential risks.

Before making a decision to undergo a surgical operation or other medical procedure, it is important that you are well aware of the potential risks as the different interventions can present a different risk and/or carry certain side effects.

Potential complications depend on a number of conditions, including the type of surgical procedure. The best option is to discuss your current health status, options and prognosis for treatment with your physician. Sometimes a second opinion is also recommended.

Surgery and complications

There are several types of problems to be differentiated among the possible complications during an surgical intervention:

• complications caused by the surgery
• complications caused by medication and/or anesthetics
• complications associated with the illness
• complications associated with other concomitant diseases or conditions of the patient

The more complex the procedure, the more serious the risk is.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are routine and light interventions like, i.e. a biopsy. The most common complication is the pain in the operation area. This is also the most common complaint to patients and as such should not be underestimated.

The risks of infection ranked second in frequency, as well as a possible response to drug treatment and anesthesia during surgery.

Among the more serious and risky complications that characterize the more complicated and severe procedures are:

Bleeding

Bleeding is a natural process that accompanies every breakdown of tissue in the human body and, respectively, every surgical operation. Bleeding can be controlled and doctors take special care when working in sensitive areas with more blood vessels. However, in any operation, there is a certain amount of controlled loss of blood that is to be expected.

Adverse reactions to anesthetics and medication

Although rare, reactions to the medication used in surgery, pose a significant risk during surgical interventions. Some patients experience adverse reactions to the anesthetic or other necessary medications used during surgery. These complications are, as a rule, rare but should be treated with great care. Some medications have the potential to lower blood pressure and affect heart rhythm, breathing or blood pressure. All these vital signs are monitored strictly during the operation, minimizing the risk.

Tissue damage

In operations, there is a certain risk of damage to the surrounding tissue as well as damage to the internal organs and blood vessels.

Organ injury

In some cases, there is a risk that an operation may cause problems with organs such as lung, heart, kidney. These complications are rare, but potentially life-threatening. At risk are mostly patients with already diagnosed problems with the organs in question. For this reason, physicians examine and get acquainted with the overall condition of the patients, thus identifying in advance all potential risks before proceeding to the operation itself.

Complications immediately after surgery are common but rarely life-threatening.

Some of the common complaints are:

Postoperative pain

An extremely widespread complaint, which is normal and expected after almost any surgical intervention. There are various, in most cases symptomatic, ways to control the pain after surgery until full recovery. Among the medications used are mild painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs. Opioid analgesics (codeine, morphine, fentanyl) can be used for severe pain.

Infection

Possible complication is an infection in the area of the surgical incision (surgical wound). To prevent this problem careful cleaning and sterilization of the area around the incision, as well as other methods are used. An antibiotic treatment is applied in case of an infection. In some cases there is a risk of lung infection (pneumonia) - more common in patients with reduced volume and impaired lung function (smokers, asthma patients, COPD, etc.).

An important milestone in recovery from surgery is careful monitoring for various unusual symptoms from day one after surgery. Always consult a doctor. Do not miss check-ups even if you feel “good”. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following post-operative symptoms:

• high temperature (over 38 degrees)
• bleeding
• bruises
• fever, chills
• pain or abnormal discomfort at the surgery site
• pain that becomes worse with time
• pain that doesn’t go away even after taking medication
• any unusual pain (eg severe headache)
• shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
• difficulty urinating
• pain when urinating
• cloudy urine with unusual, unpleasant odor
• cloudy urine, blood in the urine
• specific symptoms your doctor has warned you about

Any surgical intervention requires careful preliminary preparation, but positive outcome of the procedure depends on a wide variety of factors. One of the most important markers for good prognosis is post-operative recovery, postoperative follow-up and treatment. It is done under the supervision of the treating physician and is closely related to the specificity of the surgery as well as the general health of the individual patient. Let's take a look at some of the most important guidelines that will help you recover from your surgery.

Recovery after abdominal surgery

After surgery in the abdomen, your doctor will give you the necessary guidelines for follow-up treatment, as well as tips for quick and seamless recovery. The prognosis depends on the underlying problem, the complexity of the surgery, but the patient's efforts to follow the prescription and adhere to a particular diet, movement and regular examinations are also very important.

Perhaps the most serious danger after an operation is lack of movement. Consult a physician and develop a plan how to move and keep active within the limits allowed by the specialist, depending on the severity and location of the operation.

Respiratory gymnastics is recommended - it provides a natural movement in the upper part of the body, and sufficient blood supply with oxygen helps to restore tissues faster.

Usual complaint after surgery is the onset of swelling. Usually, this is associated with the body's hydration, so it is advisable to intake more fluids.

Diet

Digestive disturbances, as well as constipation or gas side effects, are often observed after abdominal surgery. Avoid foods that cause heartburn, swelling, gas or irritation (eg legumes, peas, grapes). It is believed that in the recovery period the organism is well influenced by the intake of pectin-rich fruits, such as apples and bananas.

The use of beta-carotene promotes faster healing of the wounds, which is of major importance in undergoing surgery. Carrots, which can also be taken as juice, are also recommended.

Do not use alcohol after abdominal surgery. Normally, doctors put a ban on drinking for at least 5-6 months.

Recovery in cardiovascular surgery

As with any surgery, your doctor will give you basic guidelines on how to recover from surgery. The first recovery phase lasts between 6-8 weeks. Recovery is relatively rapid and painless when minimal invasive surgery is applied. In case of more severe interference, the full rehabilitation period may last up to 6 months.

How to care for the wound

Follow strictly your doctor's recommendations! Caring for the operating site is of great importance for trouble-free recovery. It is important to always keep the place clean and dry. Use only water and proper soap to clean the delicate area to full healing. Creams, ointments and tinctures are not allowed on the wound unless prescribed and recommended by the physician.

One of the biggest challenges in maintaining and caring for the wound may be bathing. When it comes to a healing wound, which is well maintained and dry, fast showers are allowed.

Use lukewarm water so you do not feel discomfort from too cold or hot water. Especially in patient care after cardiac surgery, extreme temperature change is not recommended. Too hot or too cold showers should be avoided because of the temperature impact on the human bloodstream.

Risks and signs of recovery from surgery

Contact a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

• increase of the scar
• opening of the wound
• visible redness in the wound area
• a feeling of heat around the wound
• high temperature - over 38 degrees

In case of diabetes, it is advisable to monitor your blood sugar level regularly. If it varies more than usual, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Pain management, intake of painkillers

One of the most unpleasant side effects of recovery in many of the surgical interventions is underlying pain. It may vary in intensity and origin. In the first days and weeks of the recovery period, the pain may be strong and accompanied by tension, discomfort and difficulty in movement.

Pruritus, tingling sensation and numbness around the wound are considered normal in the first days after surgery.

All medicines should be prescribed by a doctor and taken as prescribed.

Usually, after surgery, the doctor will prescribe a specific medication. It may have a dedicated task of alleviating pain or helping restore the functioning of damaged structures.

Rehabilitation after surgery

Changes in lifestyle may vary, depending on the type of surgery undergone. Sometimes the recovery can take several months. In heart surgery, it may take between 2-9 weeks before the doctor allows you to return to some day-to-day activities such as work, driving, etc.

It is important to start moving gradually and light physical activities such as walking, excercises, physical therapy, etc. Do not lift weights greater than 10 kilograms.

The treatment of oncological diseases does not necessarily involve surgical intervention, but is considered one of the most severe medical procedures. Healing is often accompanied by physical discomfort and side effects. Here are some of the risks and some ways to deal with them, as well as recommendations for a quicker and painless recovery after chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is a powerful, invasive and prolonged series of procedures for chemical treatment of cancer. The drug destroys the cancer cells that cause the formation of tumors. In addition to being very effective for the treatment of cancer, this therapy also has a number of side effects that are a real challenge for patients.

Chemotherapy can affect your everyday life in many different ways. Among the most common complaints are:

• nausea
• fatigue
• hair loss
• permanent loss of appetite
• pain
• increased body temperature

In some cases, chemotherapy also has long lasting side effects such as heart problems, memory impairment, and more.

The treatment of oncological diseases is not easy. In combination with surgical interventions that are required in some types of cancer, this therapy is considered one of the hardest conventional treatments in medicine. However, patients with tumors may lead a normal lifestyle and positively affect some of the side effects of treatment.

Some recommended measures that can help you recover after restore after chemotherapy are:

• Limitation of harmful habits – quitting the the use of alcohol and cigarettes contributes to better functioning of the body and helps cope with the side effects of the therapy

• Healthy diet - the body needs good food to cope with the stress and harm caused by the treatment

• Be active as long as your condition allows it - movement and light exercises can help feeling better

• Strengthen your immune system - people going through treatment have a compromised immune system that makes them vulnerable to various diseases

How to recover after chemotherapy

It is known that chemotherapy can affect negatively on a number of organs and systems in the body. Therapy can cause excessive fatigue, stomach swelling, persistent headache, severe muscle pain, memory impairment, halitosis, immune system disorders.

Some of the recommended methods are the use of various detoxifying techniques, intake of vitamin cocktails (freshly squeezed juices, etc)

Active movement also helps the overall tone and makes you feel better - it boosts blood circulation, removes toxins by sweating, strengthens the muscles.

Intake of water and fluids is also of great importance in the recovery process.

Some of the side effects of chemotherapy cause severe and sometimes chronic dehydration. Increased sweating, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite are common. Drinking proper amounts of water is recommended to keep the body well hydrated. Preventing dehydration helps the body cope with fatigue, constipation, protects the kidneys from toxins and stimulates the release of harmful substances through the urine.

Continued treatment after surgery is based on various factors and follows the individual needs of the patient depending on the procedure and its severity, as well as the nature of the disease, the general state of health, and possible accompanying diseases or conditions.

The main aspects of the long-term recovery phase after surgery can generally be differentiated into several main groups:

• active treatment
• rehabilitation and medical treatment
• general health care (diet, activity)
• prophylaxis

Movement is of great importance for recovery after surgery, helping prevent serious and often life-threatening complications in the post-operative period. The first steps in this regard can be applied in the first 3-4 hours after the actual operation (at the discretion of the treating physician).

The active movement phase helps for faster recovery. In cases where this is not possible for medical or other reasons, "passive movement" is applied with the help of a kinesitherapist or a rehabilitator.

In general, adequate movement and restoration of motor functions after severe operations is restored about a week after the procedure. In cases where passive movement is required, the prognosis is less favorable than the time required for total recovery. It is important to observe the principle of gradual loading - both in terms of day-to-day activities and at work, sport and other active workloads.

Recovery time is strictly individual and depends on the patient and his specific condition, general health and other factors such as:

- objective factors of recovery

• Type and volume of the operation
• Age of the patient
• Accompanying diseases
• Post-operative complications

- subjective factors of recovery

• Patient’s expectations
• Others

Pain management

Pain is the most common side effect and the most common complaint among patients who have undergone surgery. According to a widely cited IMAS survey of 2004, only one-third of a thousand surveyed patients over the age of 16 did not complain of pain after having undergone serious surgical intervention. Pain management is one of the biggest challenges for patients and doctors associated with the postoperative period.

The origin and causes of pain may differentiate:

• Reasons for the operation

- type and volume of intervention
- used operational equipment
- accompanying procedures

• Causes related to anesthesia

- catheterization
- intubation
- allergic and other reactions

• Post-operative complications

- embolism
- thrombosis
- complications of movement

• Individual patient-related reasons

- accompanying diseases
- existing chronic pain
- presence of neuropathies
- weight (body mass index)
- sex

Treatment of pain is essential both for the post-operative period as well as in the long term recovery. Chronic paining often leads to permanent impairment of quality of life, as well as costly and often ineffective sustained treatment focused on the consequences. Successful postoperative therapy includes management and treatment of pain. Its main goals are:

• Reducing pain without complications and side effects
• Raising patient satisfaction
• Improving the quality of life of the patient
• Overall improved treatment
• Optimized patient mobilization
• Optimized wound healing
• Restoration of organ functions
• Shortened stay in a hospital
• Preventing chronic pain

Classification of pain management medications in postoperative treatment

Classified by ROA (route of administration)

• oral intake
• intravenous intake
• epidural intake
• intrathecal intake
• subcutaneous intake
• rectal intake
• transdermal intake

Pain meds - types

Among the most frequently used pain medications are:

• non-opioid
• mild opioids
• strong opioids
• topical (local) anesthetics
• co-analgesics

Read and learn more about post-operative treatment and recovery in MediKa.bg