Duration of pain after surgery
Just like the intensity of the pain, the duration of the pain after surgery can vary greatly. Among other things, this depends on the size and severity of the operation. For example, after a small operation, the surgical area will heal much faster and be free of pain than, for example, after an extensive abdominal operation that has caused extensive tissue damage.Furthermore, the personal constitution before and after the operation, possible concomitant diseases as well as the behavior in the time after the operation and how exactly the instructions of the doctors, nursing staff and therapists are followed play a very decisive role in the course of the recovery phase.
Pain after breast surgery
Even the choice of the appropriate anesthetic procedure before the operation has a great influence on the development of pain and its treatment in breast surgery. In addition to general anesthesia during the operation, the so-called thoracic paravertebral blockade is used for operations on the breast. Here, the medication is injected at a rib on the patient’s back.
The medication thus acts directly on the nerves that supply the ribs, chest wall and armpit. By using long-acting substances, pain in the surgical area can be eliminated up to 48 hours after surgery. In addition, the usual painkillers can then be used.
Significantly lower doses and thus fewer side effects are among the positive effects of the procedure. In addition to the medicinal pain treatment, it is particularly important after breast surgery to avoid pulling or applying force to the surgical scar. This should be observed especially during movements such as getting out of bed, as this tenses the breast muscles. In addition, cold applications and ointment dressings can significantly reduce the pain after breast surgery.
Pain after scar fracture surgery
Adequate pain therapy is particularly crucial after scar fracture surgery. In addition to improving the patient’s well-being, this also serves to avoid undesirable complications. These can be, for example, incorrect strain by taking a relieving posture or constipation by avoiding the abdominal press.
Depending on the intensity of pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or combinations with opioids are used after scar fracture surgery to relieve the pain. In addition to these, supportive measures in postoperative pain treatment after such operations are also of great importance. As a rule, patients are supported by therapists in respiratory therapy and mobilization from the first day after surgery. Furthermore, the application of an elastic abdominal belt can significantly facilitate coughing up and mobilization. In order to avoid complications and severe pain, more physical work should be started at the earliest 4 weeks after the operation.
