Postoperative care is the management of a patient after surgery. It begins immediately after surgery; from the operating room to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and includes days after the surgery. The type of care received depends on the type of surgery. The goal of postoperative care is to prevent complications such as infection, to promote healing of surgical incisions, and to return the patient to a state of health. In addition, pain management is overseen and the patient is informed of potential side effects and complications of the procedure in addition to being informed before the surgery. The process involves assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention and outcome evaluation. For surgeries that occur at a day-surgery center, usually a few hours of care are required following the surgery. If complications arise, the patient is then sent to a hospital.

With certain type of surgeries, there is a risk for postoperative complications. Risks include infection, problems at the surgical site, and blood clots. Prolonged inactivity due to bed rest can lead to loss of muscle strength.

Postoperative care in the hospital

Often, anesthesia is used to put a patient to sleep during a surgery. With the use of anesthesia, there is a risk of an allergic reaction. Therefore, a patient must be closely monitored during and after an operation. Immediate concerns include the monitoring of airway protection, pain control, mental status, and wound healing. In addition, while in the recovery room patients’ blood pressure, breathing, body temperature and pulse are looked after. For patients with diabetes, extra care must be taken to monitor blood glucose levels every 1-4 hours until the patient is awake and able to eat. Once a patient is stable, they are moved to a hospital room or another waiting room if they are to be discharged in the same day.

During the hospital stay

Postoperative care doesn’t stop after a patient transfers to another room, in fact it continues throughout the entire process. Often, the patient will have an IV in their arm, a device to measure oxygen on the finger, and bandaging on the surgical site. Other possible devices, depending on the type of surgery, include a breathing apparatus, heartbeat monitor, and a tube in the mouth, nose or bladder. Vital signs of the patient will be monitored during this time. Sometimes, pain relievers may be used via IV injections or oral pills. In order to prevent blood clots from developing and to help build up muscle strength, a patient may be asked to get up and walk around with assistance. The doctor who performed the operation will decide when a patient is to be released. For ongoing care at home, it is best to make arrangements ahead of time. If a family member is not available, support from a private caregiver can make the transition home much easier.

Questions to ask before you go home

Before and after a surgery patients have the opportunity to ask any questions or concerns they may have. Before going home, questions to ask include:

• How long will I be expected to remain in the hospital?
• Will I need any special supplies or medications when I go home?
• What side effects can I expect?
• What things should I avoid?
• Will I require a caregiver or physical therapist?
• When can I resume normal activity?

Once questions and concerns are addressed, proper arrangements for home care can be made