Following important instructions after surgery is crucial for a speedy recovery and avoiding complications. Patients should be aware of these guidelines before the procedure and apply them immediately afterward. Here are the most important instructions to follow:
1. Coughing Up Phlegm
One of the important instructions after surgery is to cough regularly, especially if you feel phlegm building up in your chest. If phlegm isn’t expelled, it can lead to pneumonia, which may prolong your stay in intensive care. Lung infections are a common complication after surgery, making it crucial to follow this guideline.
2. Using the Triflow breathing apparatus
The Triflow device should be used to increase the rate of deep and slow breathing, as the device should be used 10 times per hour to improve lung function and prevent complications. If this device is not available, you can use a balloon and inflate it once every hour. This technique aims to inflate the lungs to prevent the formation of atelectasis, which is one of the most common complications after surgery.
3. Avoid constipation
We prescribe medications to treat constipation, but you can support the treatment by increasing exercise and movement after the operation, as well as regular chewing gum, which helps stimulate the intestines.
4. Healthy nutrition
Make sure to eat protein-rich foods such as meat to promote wound healing and speed up recovery.
5. Practice movement gradually
Walk around the room for the first day, then slowly work your way up to walking in the hallways.
If you need additional oxygen support, you can get a long nasal tube from medical supply stores to continue exercising.
6. Pain management
Even with the use of painkillers, you may feel some pain, but it is essential to stay active and move, especially in the morning, as this helps minimize complications and optimize recovery.
7. Maintaining oral hygiene
Paying attention to oral hygiene is very important to prevent lung infections. Make sure to clean your mouth regularly to maintain your overall health.
8. Sleep organization
To get a good night’s sleep, it is advisable to stay active during the day instead of sleeping for long hours during the day.
9. Post-operative visits
We prefer to avoid having visitors, but a limited number of visitors who do not smoke and have not recently had any inflammatory infections may be allowed.
It should be applied with care, especially after lung cancer surgeries, open heart surgeries, and major surgeries.
Additional instructions to ensure a speedy recovery after surgery
- Avoid lifting heavy objects or doing any strenuous exercise during the first few weeks after surgery.
- Do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you experience any abnormal symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, high fever, or severe pain that does not respond to painkillers.
- Adhere to medical appointments to ensure that the recovery process goes smoothly.
By following these important instructions after surgery, you can enhance your chances of a speedy recovery and reduce the risk of post-operative complications. For more guidance, feel free to contact us at Bimaristan.
