Process and Procedures During Post-Operative Care
To reduce the potential for complications and rehospitalizations, hospitals administer medical care in the hours, days, and weeks following invasive surgery. This is known as post-operative and post-anesthesia care (PACU). Postoperative care is carried out by trained PACU nurses and physicians who monitor patients immediately after surgical procedures. Patients remain in the PACU unit until they are discharged from the hospital. The length of their stay depends on many factors, including the type of surgery performed and the patient’s health. In many cases, the patient will also be prescribed an aftercare protocol to continue at home.
Post-operative care happens in three phases, with the first phase beginning immediately after surgery. The patient is transferred into a special care unit where they can be continuously monitored as they emerge from anesthesia. Specialists will frequently check the patient’s vital signs and observe their condition for any signs of complications with the lungs or cardiovascular system. Patients who develop complications will be transferred to an intensive care unit. Most patients will stabilize and be discharged within a few hours.
In phase two, the patient begins to regain consciousness and control over their bodily functions. During this phase, the medical staff assesses the patient’s pain levels and other side effects. As the patient becomes responsive, the medical staff will explain portions of the aftercare protocol. Patients may need to perform breathing or physical exercises to prevent issues such as opportunistic infections or circulatory problems. Patients may also be shown how to clean any incisions and replace bandaging. Since patients may need assistance completing these tasks at home, family members or caregivers may also be informed on aftercare procedures.
Patients who have undergone outpatient procedures without general anesthesia still receive post-operative care. If they can demonstrate normal function, they may be able to resume their normal activities. However, some procedures will affect an individual’s ability to drive or care for themselves. In this case, the patient must be escorted home after discharge. Many patients bypass phase one and can go home after phase two. However, patients who need further monitoring before discharge will transfer to phase three. The patient may be kept in a hospital room for observation for an additional 24 or 48 hours. If complications develop, they may be admitted to the hospital for ongoing treatment.
In-home aftercare procedures usually involve pain and medication management, wound dressing, and exercises. Some daily activities, such as bathing and cooking, may be difficult for the patient to perform. If the patient needs support, a home health aide can provide some of these services. Complications can still arise days after surgery, so patients should monitor their condition. If they develop fevers or excessive bleeding at the incision site, they should seek medical attention immediately.
Post-operative care is designed to quicken a patient’s recovery and minimize the likelihood of complications. Close monitoring also ensures that complications that do arise are addressed immediately, lowering the risk of long-term health issues. The final phases of post-operative care also enable patients to manage their symptoms at home. This ensures the patients are as comfortable as possible during recovery.
