postoperativ

Postoperativ, or postoperative in English, denotes the period after a surgical procedure. It begins when the operation ends and continues through initial recovery and rehabilitation until return to baseline function.

The period is commonly described in phases: immediate postoperative (hours after surgery), early postoperative (first few days), and late postoperative (weeks to months). Goals include maintaining airway and circulation, controlling pain, preventing complications, promoting wound healing, and enabling gradual functional recovery.

Management encompasses close monitoring in the immediate recovery area, multimodal analgesia, antiemetics, fluid and electrolyte balance, and nutrition. Wound and drain care, infection prevention, thromboprophylaxis, and early mobilization with respiratory exercises are standard components.

Common complications include bleeding, wound infection, venous thromboembolism, pneumonia or atelectasis, ileus, urinary retention, electrolyte disturbances, and delirium in vulnerable patients. Early recognition and treatment are essential to reduce morbidity and length of hospital stay.

Discharge decisions depend on hemodynamic stability, pain control, ability to tolerate oral intake and activity, and wound status. Patients receive post-discharge instructions and a follow-up plan with the surgical team. Variations exist by procedure, patient health, and setting.