Postchirurgiche

Postchirurgiche refers to the period after a surgical procedure, including immediate recovery, hospital stay and early follow-up. It covers clinical assessments, wound care, pain control and prevention of complications. The scope varies with the type of surgery, patient health, and setting (inpatient vs outpatient).

Care during this period aims to restore function while minimizing risk. Core elements include continuous monitoring of vital signs, wound management, drainage output when present, infection prevention with sterile technique and antibiotics when indicated, and effective pain relief often using multimodal strategies. Early mobilization, respiratory exercises, nutrition, and fluid management reduce complications and support healing.

Common postoperative problems include infection at the incision, bleeding or hematoma, wound dehiscence, and seroma. Other risks are thromboembolism, pneumonia or atelectasis, urinary retention, electrolyte or fluid imbalances, and delayed healing. Early recognition of warning signs—fever, increasing wound redness or discharge, severe or escalating pain, chest pain or shortness of breath, confusion—is essential. Management depends on cause and severity and may involve antibiotics, drainage, reoperation in rare cases, and supportive care.

Discharge planning focuses on patient education, wound care instructions, medication management, activity restrictions, diet, and follow-up appointments. Recovery timelines vary with procedure and individual health; some patients return to normal activities within days, others require weeks of rehabilitation. High-risk groups, such as older adults or those with chronic diseases, may need closer monitoring and tailored postoperative pathways.