1 Answer

What are some common postoperative discomforts?

The amount of discomfort following surgery depends on the type of surgery performed. Some typical discomforts include:

• Nausea and vomiting from general anesthesia


• Soreness in the throat (caused by the tube placed in the windpipe for breathing during surgery)


• Soreness and swelling around the incision site


• Restlessness and sleeplessness


• Thirst


• Constipation and flatulence

What complications may occur after surgery?

Sometimes, complications can occur following surgery. The following are the most common complications. However, individuals may experience complications and discomforts differently. Specific treatment for any post-surgical complication(s) will be based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history


• Extent of the disease


• Type of surgery performed


• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies


• Your opinion or preference

Complications may include:

• Shock
  Shock is the dangerous reduction of blood flow throughout the body. Shock is most often caused by reduced blood pressure. Treatment may include any/all of the following:
  
  
  
  • Stopping any blood loss
  
  
  • Maintaining an open airway
  
  
  • Keeping the patient flat
  
  
  • Reducing heat loss with blankets
  
  
  • Intravenous infusion of fluid or blood
  
  
  • Oxygen therapy
  
  
  • Medication
  
  
  
  


• Hemorrhage
  Hemorrhage means bleeding. Rapid blood loss from the site of surgery, for example, can lead to shock. Treatment of rapid blood loss may include:
  
  
  
  • Infusions of saline solution and plasma preparation to help replace fluids
  
  
  • Blood transfusion
  
  
  
  


• Wound infection
  When bacteria enter the site of surgery, an infection can result. Infections can delay healing. Wound infections can spread to adjacent organs or tissue, or to distant areas through the blood stream. Treatment of wound infections may include:
  
  
  
  • Antibiotics
  
  
  • Draining of any abscess
  
  
  
  


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