In my career as an obstetrician-gynaecologist, I have handled countless surgeries involving uterine fibroids. Care after every surgery is crucial as it is not only about the patient's quick recovery but also helps prevent possible complications. Today, I would like to share some knowledge about care after fibroid surgery to help patients and their families who are going through this process. I remember one time when one of my patients, Ms. Li, was facing some recovery challenges after undergoing myomectomy surgery. The surgery itself was very successful, but in the days following the surgery, she experienced pain and discomfort, in large part due to a lack of knowledge of proper care. Through timely medical intervention and detailed post-operative care guidance, Ms. Li gradually mastered how to take care of herself at home, which accelerated the recovery process. This case is a poignant reminder that post-operative care is just as important as the surgery itself.
Immediate post-operative care
Observing the patient's vital signs immediately after surgery, monitoring the patient's vital signs is a top priority. This includes checking heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Any abnormal changes may indicate a potential complication that requires prompt medical intervention. The medical staff will check with the patient every hour until the patient's condition is stable. Managing postoperative pain: Pain management after surgery is key to improving patient comfort. The use of analgesics is usually adjusted according to the patient's pain and individual differences. Commonly used forms of pain relief include oral analgesics and analgesics given intravenously. It is important for patients to know that proper pain control helps them return to their daily activities more quickly.
Prevent postoperative complications
Preventing complications is an important part of immediate postoperative care. To reduce the risk of infection, keeping the wound dry and clean is a must. In addition, in order to prevent postoperative bleeding, it is necessary to regularly check the condition of the wound and observe for abnormal bleeding. Health care providers also teach patients how to properly treat wounds and alert them to any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.
Long-term postoperative recovery
Dietary modification: The diet after surgery should be nutritious and easy to digest. It is advisable to increase the intake of proteins, such as fish, lean meats, soy products, and eggs, which can help with wound healing. At the same time, vegetables and fruits should be eaten more to provide the necessary vitamins and minerals to promote the recovery of the body. Avoid foods that are too greasy, spicy or high in sugar, which can be more taxing and affect recovery efficiency. Excessive activity should be avoided in the early days after activity and rest surgery to prevent wound dehiscence or other complications. It is recommended to start with light activity, such as walking slowly over short distances, and gradually increase the amount of activity. At the same time, adequate rest is a critical part of recovery. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep every day, avoid staying up late, and create a comfortable sleeping environment.
Psychological support
Mood swings after surgery are common, and feelings of anxiety, depression, or fear may occur. It's important to be open and communicate with family, friends, or a professional counselor. Participating in a support group is also a good way to learn about other people's recovery experiences and get emotional and informational support. Maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on the recovery process can significantly improve the overall quality of recovery. With these specific steps, patients can effectively manage the long-term recovery process after surgery, promoting physical and mental well-being and thus returning to normal life more quickly. Home Care Guidelines: How families play a role in providing supportive family members is critical, and they need to provide both practical and emotional support. Specific measures include:
Life care support
Assist the patient with daily activities such as dressing and bathing, especially in the early postoperative period. Make sure the patient has a quiet, comfortable environment to rest and avoid excessive noise in the home. Prepare nutritious foods, especially fiber-rich foods, to help prevent constipation and reduce pressure on the surgical site. Emotional support often talks to the patient, listens to her feelings and needs, and helps her release anxiety or stress that may arise after surgery. Patients are encouraged to express their emotions and seek professional counseling if necessary.
Important family observation points
Family members also need to be alert to some key health signs to ensure that any possible complications are detected in a timely manner: Pain management: Observe changes in the patient's pain, if there is any exacerbation, and report it to the doctor in a timely manner. Make sure your patient is taking their pain medication on time and monitor its effects and possible side effects. Wound observation: Examine the surgical wound regularly for signs of redness, swelling, pus, or abnormal bleeding. Keep the wound dry and clean, and change the dressing as directed. Monitor your physical condition to see if there are signs of infection such as fever and chills, and communicate with your doctor in a timely manner. Monitor the patient's overall mobility and observe if strength gradually returns. With these specific steps, family members can greatly facilitate the patient's recovery process while reducing the risk of post-operative complications. It is important that family members maintain close communication with the treating physician to ensure that the patient is kept updated on the patient's recovery status and medical needs.