Post-Operative Care

Post-operative care includes assistance and care services that a patient may need after a medical operation. These services are usually provided at home or in rehabilitation centers after discharge from the hospital. Post-operative care helps the individual to relax and recover during the post-operative period.

How to Plan Post-operative Care?

You must talk to your doctor before and after your operation to find out what kind of care you need depending on the type of operation and your health condition. Your doctor can give you instructions on how to plan your care after the operation. These instructions generally cover several stages.

► Planning For Going Home: Before you are discharged from the hospital, you must be comfortable at home. You should plan the preparations that need to be made at home according to your needs. In addition, appointing a companion to help you with your post-operative care and treatment can help you get through the process in the most comfortable way. 

► Medication Management: It is important to take postoperative medication at the right time and in the right way. Your doctor will tell you which medicines and when to take them. The dose of medication prescribed by your doctor should not be exceeded.

► Nutrition Plan: Proper nutrition after surgery is important in the healing process. Your doctor will advise you on the nutrition plan. Your nutrition plan may differ depending on the type and your needs.

► Wound Care: Wound care after surgery is important to reduce the risk of infection. Your doctor will give you instructions on wound care. Wound care instructions may differ depending on the type and location of the wound.

► Physical Activity: There may be restrictions on physical activity after surgery. Your doctor will give you instructions about which activities to start and when. However; gradually starting a physical activity by your doctor's instructions will contribute to the healing process.  

It is important not to miss follow-up appointments after surgery. These appointments are extremely necessary to assess how the healing process is progressing and to make changes to the treatment plan if necessary.

What does Post-operative Care in the Hospital İnclude?

Post-operative care covers a range of treatments and measures aimed at meeting the medical care requirements that the patient may need during the recovery period. These care methods help the patient to recover quickly and return to normal activities. Postoperative care may include several elements.

Pain is common in the postoperative period. To manage the pain in the best way, medications can be used or different treatments can be preferred when necessary. Nutrition is also very important during the healing process. The patient needs to get enough fluids and food to strengthen the immune system. During post-operative care in the hospital, the patient's immunity is strengthened with various vitamin supplements. 

The risk of infection and blood clot formation after the surgical procedure is high, so various measures are taken in the hospital to prevent infections and blood clot formation. Postoperative wounds are regularly checked and dressed regularly. The patient needs to move in the postoperative period. Moving the patient slowly in short periods can make a positive contribution to the healing process. Patients must be psychologically supported during the healing process. Psychologists or psychiatrists in the treatment team may provide support in this regard.

Postoperative care helps the patient to have a comfortable and fast recovery process in the postoperative period. Therefore, it is extremely important to follow your doctor's recommendations.

How Should Postoperative Home Care Be?

Postoperative home care covers the treatment and care applied at home to help the patient's recovery process. Several issues should be considered and followed in this process. 

Medications prescribed by the doctor should be used regularly. Informing the doctor in case of possible side effects of the drugs will prevent bigger health problems. A healthy and balanced nutrition plan should be followed in the postoperative period. It is important to consume foods containing sufficient amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and to hydrate your body by drinking plenty of water.

After the surgical procedure, the wounds should be cleaned and dressed according to the doctor's instructions. In this process, hygiene rules should be observed to prevent wound infections. Trying to move slowly in the postoperative period and continuing this action regularly at regular intervals is important for a healthy recovery. It is necessary to do the exercises recommended by the doctor and gradually return to daily activities.

Hygiene rules are another important consideration. It is important to contact the doctor in cases where signs of infection are observed. Getting help from a different person in the postoperative home care process will make the process faster and more practical.