What is postoperative rehabilitation?

Surgical intervention for patients is associated not only with physical, but also emotional difficulties. The feeling of one's own helplessness is given to many more difficult than other difficulties. The fact is that the solution of medical problems depends more on doctors, and post-operative rehabilitation is largely on the efforts of the patient himself. To properly organize the recovery period, the interaction of the physician and the convalescent is necessary.

Objectives

Rehabilitation of postoperative patients has several goals:

• It is necessary to prevent possible complications;
• The patient needs to get rid of the pain and eliminate the restriction of mobility;
• It is important to accelerate recovery and help psychological recovery after the illness;
• Return the patient to an active and fulfilling life.

All these goals are logical and understandable. Many people even think that postoperative rehabilitation is a natural process, and the body is able to recover independently. But this is an erroneous opinion, which often destroys the effect of the efforts of physicians.

Qualitative rehabilitation of the postoperative period is a complex of medical measures, which are developed by doctors-rehabilitologists.

Restorative process for the elderly

Properly organize the recovery period is important for a patient of any age. But for older people this process can have additional difficulties. Many of them are more difficult to tolerate the involuntary limited movements after surgery, believe that time is very short and the state of helplessness will not pass. This causes depression, resulting in patients abandoning the necessary procedures and manipulations. Postoperative rehabilitation is delayed or becomes completely impossible due to negative psychological attitudes.

Many are embarrassed to talk about pain and discomfort, so as not to "distract" busy people with their problems. It is important for relatives of elderly patients to select a clinic that can provide the necessary care and create confidence that all postoperative problems are a temporary phenomenon.

Timing

To specify exact terms for which the patient will be able to recover after the operation is impossible. Many factors influence this process. One of the main - the nature of the intervention. So, for example, the removal of the intervertebral hernia will require a complex postoperative recovery, which is divided into several stages. The general term often stretches for more than a year. Extensive cavitary operations, especially in the abdominal cavity, will require long-term compliance with the diet. The recovery period after surgery on the joints depends on the quality of physiotherapy and the complex of physiotherapy exercises.

Important factors on which the recovery period may depend is the sex of the patient and his age. According to doctors, women recover more quickly than the representatives of the strong half of humanity, young patients recover earlier than older colleagues in misfortune. Often postoperative rehabilitation is hampered because of bad habits of the patient, such as smoking, craving for alcohol and so on. A huge role in the recovery process is played by motivation, which is why good rehabilitation centers are staffed by a staff of psychologists.

Basic methods of postoperative rehabilitation

Arsenal of restorative therapy is very extensive:

• Taking medications such as painkillers, vitamin complexes, adaptogens, antispasmodics and so on;
• Physiotherapeutic procedures, such as electrophoresis, electromyostimulation and so on;
• Reflexotherapy or acupuncture, that is activation of biologically active points with special needles;
• Complexes of physiotherapy exercises (LFK), using a system of regular exercises for raising physical tone, increasing appetite and improving the psychological state;
• Mechanotherapy, that is, rehabilitation with the help of simulators, orthoses and special devices;
• Bobat-therapy, that is, the elimination of muscle spasm by stimulating natural reflexes;
• Various types of massages that can improve blood circulation, improve immunity, stimulate the work of the respiratory system, accelerate the restoration of muscle work;
• A diet that determines the correct diet, depending on the type of surgery;
• Psychotherapy, which forms the correct motivation and eliminates depressive states;
• Ergotherapy, which allows the return of self-service skills and reduces dependence on others.

For each patient, a combination of methods is selected that will benefit him, since postoperative rehabilitation is a complex and individual process. There are no bad or good methods, there are methods suitable or not suitable for a particular patient.

And now we describe in more detail the recovery process after some diseases.

Removal of intervertebral hernia

Intervertebral hernia brings patients not only discomfort, but also not passing exhausting pain. But, even if the operation is performed by a brilliant neurosurgeon, the result will not please, if the postoperative rehabilitation is not properly selected. Hernia, removed surgically, may occur again if you deviate from the doctor's recommendations.

It was already indicated above that the recovery period after the removal of the intervertebral hernia is divided into several stages:

1. Postoperative recovery for up to 1 month, including withdrawal of pain syndrome, edema and prevention of early complications. During this period, you can not sit, carry weights, get physical loads, perform sudden movements and prescribe massages.
2. Intensive recovery, which can take from 3 to 12 months. This is an adaptation period aimed at restoring motor activity.
3. Later restoration, which lasts a lifetime. The patient should resume the functionality of the muscular corset, regularly perform strengthening exercises, take manual therapy courses and massages, and prevent new intervertebral hernias.

Phlebectomy

After removal of varicose veins, patients are not detained for a long time in medical institutions. Usually, the attending physician makes out an extract for 2-3 days. And how much time does rehabilitation after phlebectomy take? The postoperative period may take several months. Restorative therapy begins with simple flexion movements, which can be performed already in the first day after the operation. Then, for several months, it is prescribed to wear compression linen. In the process of rehabilitation venotonizing agents and drugs are prescribed, which reduce the risk of thrombus formation. Restorative process will also require rehabilitation gymnastics and walking tours.

Removal of the kidney

Nephrectomy, that is, complete or partial removal of the kidney - the operation is very serious. Upon its completion, the patient is transferred to the intensive care unit to check the general condition. How is rehabilitation after removal of the kidney? Postoperative period is associated with constant monitoring of electrolyte and water balance. At first, the patient consumes less liquid and eats the mashed food.

Despite the pain, rehabilitation includes feasible motor activity and breathing exercises.

When he leaves home, the patient must continue to follow the diet and avoid unnecessary stress. In addition, he is required to appoint regular urologist consultations.

Observance of recommendations

It can be difficult for patients to be under control for a long time. But it should be understood that refusal of procedures, a violation of diet or a return to bad habits - in the first place a blow to your own health. Is the momentary pleasure of the resulting problems?