Post-operative Problems
Immediately after the operation, the main danger is a sudden hemorrhage from the operated area, producing shock. A common problem in the immediate recovery period following all abdominal operations is paralytic ileus, or failure of the intestine to work. Continued paralytic ileus may result in abdominal swelling that opens the wound or the area of operation in the intestine. Breakdown or bursting of any wound may occur if the patient is ill or debilitated.
Lung infections, such as pneumonia, and urinary retention are common problems. A serious problem that can occur suddenly and unexpectedly is a pulmonary embolus from a blood clot formed in a deep vein, usually in the legs or pelvis.
Wound infections may develop from the cause of the original operation, such as in appendicitis. They sometimes also occur, despite all precautions, during the operation.
Late complications of any operation may occur from the scar tissue or adhesions that are formed. In the abdomen, these may cause obstruction.
Pain Relief
A patient is naturally concerned about postoperative pain. It is impossible to predict how much pain a patient will have, because awareness of pain and tolerance of pain vary from person to person. Powerful narcotics relieve pain efficiently and are given to most patients for the first four or five days after major surgery. The attending surgeon during the preparation for surgery should have given you some idea of what to expect in terms of soreness. However, in the unlikely event of him or her not doing so, you should ask, because if you know what to expect, you will find it easier to cope with your aftercare and will not be unduly anxious about the type of discomfort that is normal for your operation.
Painkilling drugs sometimes suppress a patient’s urge to empty the bladder. This is more common in men than women and may cause problems with passing urine.
