Causes for pain after surgery
The most common cause of post-operative pain is the tissue damage caused by the operation. In the course of this injury cells are damaged. From these cells, certain substances, so-called neurotransmitters, are then released.
In the area of the wound, these neurotransmitters now meet free ends of nerves and trigger a signal in them. Via the nerves and the spinal cord, this signal is transmitted to the brain, where it leads to the perception of pain. Via the same mechanism, inflammation can also lead to pain.
These are another common cause of pain after surgery. An operation wound offers a good entry point for various pathogens. Therefore, it is very important after surgery to ensure that the wound is properly cared for and, above all, to ensure adequate hygiene. Other triggers of postoperative pain are nerve injuries during surgery and postoperative complications such as bleeding or loosening of sutures. A precise description of the pain in terms of strength, character, localization and radiation can often provide a great deal of information about the cause of the pain, which can then be specifically corrected and treated.
Associated symptoms
Just as the pain characteristics differ, postoperative pain can also be accompanied by different accompanying symptoms, depending on the cause. Typical of these are, for example, the classic signs of inflammation. In addition to the pain, these include reddening of the affected body region, as well as swelling, overheating and, if necessary, a functional impairment.
A slight inflammatory reaction is normal in every tissue injury. However, if the symptoms are very severe, worsen or the wound begins to fester, a wound infection, e.g. with bacteria, should be considered as the cause of the inflammation. The wound should then definitely be examined and treated by a doctor.
In addition to inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, which occurs after a nerve injury, is accompanied by typical symptoms. These consist of an increase or decrease in sensitivity in the affected area as well as possible discomfort, such as persistent tingling or stinging sensations.Depending on the severity, pain can also lead to so-called vegetative symptoms. These consist, for example, of an increase in pulse rate, high blood pressure, increased sweating, nausea or vomiting.
These usually subside very quickly after the administration of painkillers. Especially after an operation, swelling can have numerous causes. A slight swelling in the area of the surgical wound is normal and part of the body’s natural repair processes.
It should disappear on its own after about 2 weeks. However, painful swelling can also be a sign of complications. This may be the case, for example, if additional skin reactions such as pustules occur, secretions such as pus are discharged or unilateral leg swelling occurs as a sign of thrombosis. In case of uncertainty, a doctor should therefore always be consulted.
