7 answers
Abdul
Student
Imperial, California
3
Questions
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What's the most helpful thing a surgeon can do for a patient post surgery ?
I am an 8th grader.
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7 answers
Godfrey Magawe
Clinical officer nephrology
121
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
Doing follow up to check on patients progress is very important,and also patients would wish to just see the surgeon who operated on them,they feel good on such a helping hand that helped restore their wellness.
George Ducach
Podiatry
35
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
George’s Answer
Hi Abdul. All the answers given so far are all great advice. I can tell you, after doing foot and ankle surgery for over 35 years, that I found the most important thing was to be there for your patient from the first visit until that person is discharged from your care. Many times patients just simply need reassurance that they are healing well. I always tried to be the person who called or saw the patient post-operatively. I believe patients prefer to hear directly from their Surgeon. Remember that it is a tremendous trust and responsibility that is given to you by a patient to allow you to help them with their medical issue. Be there for them at all stages of their healing process and use your learning, experience and skills to the best of your ability. One more thing, try to surround yourself with medical professionals that are well-trained and can help your patient if for some reason you cannot be there at a certain time. Best of luck to you!
Adriano Piotto
Doctor
2
Answers
Campinas, Brazil
Updated
Adriano’s Answer
The surgeon needs to advise his patient about all possible issues . Visit the patient after sugery even discharge. And taking care until total resolution
Susan Burg
Surgical Technician
25
Answers
Torrance, California
Updated
Susan’s Answer
The best thing they can do is be there. Surgery is a scary thing. Most patients want a doctor who is available after surgery. Will they return a call? Can I get into there office to see them if I need to? Not everyone has an easy time after surgery. It's nice to know you can get ahold of your surgeon after. Surgeons talk to the family, or your designated representative after surgery. Sometimes, they will talk to the patient, they don't remember because of the anesthesia and someone else may not get the information right. It's nice to be able to get your surgeon to clarify.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6510
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Abdul,
Effective Pain Control
After surgery, one of the most crucial roles of a surgeon is to ensure the patient's pain is well-managed. This includes prescribing suitable pain relievers and regularly assessing the patient's comfort level to aid in their recovery journey. If pain is not managed effectively, it can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, and a longer healing period.
Consistent Post-Surgery Check-Ins
Providing comprehensive post-surgery care is key to monitor the patient's healing progress and to detect any complications early. This involves setting up regular appointments for procedures like stitch removal, assessing the healing process, and addressing any concerns that might crop up. Consistent check-ins contribute to a smoother and more successful recovery journey.
Straightforward Post-Surgery Guidelines
It's essential for surgeons to provide clear, easy-to-understand instructions for care after surgery. This includes explaining any activity limitations, dietary advice, and guidelines for wound care to prevent infections and ensure optimal healing. Clear communication helps avoid complications and alleviates patient anxiety.
Proactive Complication Prevention
Surgeons must be proactive in preventing complications like infections, blood clots, and pneumonia. This involves administering necessary vaccinations, prescribing antibiotics when needed, and promoting movement to prevent blood clots. Regular monitoring of the patient's vital signs and timely interventions can help prevent complications.
Informed Patient Journey
Educating patients about their surgery, the recovery process, and what to expect can help ease anxiety and enhance healing outcomes. Surgeons should discuss the surgery's risks and benefits, answer any patient queries, and provide resources for further information. Patient education empowers patients to actively participate in their recovery journey.
Recommended Reading:
"Postoperative Care: A Guide for Patients" by Johns Hopkins Medicine.
"Recovering from Surgery: What to Expect" by Mayo Clinic.
"Postoperative Pain Management: What You Need to Know" by American Society of Anesthesiologists.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Effective Pain Control
After surgery, one of the most crucial roles of a surgeon is to ensure the patient's pain is well-managed. This includes prescribing suitable pain relievers and regularly assessing the patient's comfort level to aid in their recovery journey. If pain is not managed effectively, it can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, and a longer healing period.
Consistent Post-Surgery Check-Ins
Providing comprehensive post-surgery care is key to monitor the patient's healing progress and to detect any complications early. This involves setting up regular appointments for procedures like stitch removal, assessing the healing process, and addressing any concerns that might crop up. Consistent check-ins contribute to a smoother and more successful recovery journey.
Straightforward Post-Surgery Guidelines
It's essential for surgeons to provide clear, easy-to-understand instructions for care after surgery. This includes explaining any activity limitations, dietary advice, and guidelines for wound care to prevent infections and ensure optimal healing. Clear communication helps avoid complications and alleviates patient anxiety.
Proactive Complication Prevention
Surgeons must be proactive in preventing complications like infections, blood clots, and pneumonia. This involves administering necessary vaccinations, prescribing antibiotics when needed, and promoting movement to prevent blood clots. Regular monitoring of the patient's vital signs and timely interventions can help prevent complications.
Informed Patient Journey
Educating patients about their surgery, the recovery process, and what to expect can help ease anxiety and enhance healing outcomes. Surgeons should discuss the surgery's risks and benefits, answer any patient queries, and provide resources for further information. Patient education empowers patients to actively participate in their recovery journey.
Recommended Reading:
"Postoperative Care: A Guide for Patients" by Johns Hopkins Medicine.
"Recovering from Surgery: What to Expect" by Mayo Clinic.
"Postoperative Pain Management: What You Need to Know" by American Society of Anesthesiologists.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Madiha Jawed
quality officer
4
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Madiha’s Answer
The most helpful thing a surgeon can do for a patient post-surgery is to ensure comprehensive post-operative care and follow-up. This includes:
Monitoring: Monitoring the patient's vital signs, pain levels, and overall condition immediately after surgery and during the post-operative recovery period is crucial. This helps identify any potential complications early on and allows for prompt intervention.
Pain Management: Ensuring adequate pain management is essential for patient comfort and recovery. Surgeons often work closely with pain management specialists and other healthcare professionals to develop personalized pain management plans tailored to each patient's needs.
Education and Information: Providing patients and their families with clear and comprehensive information about the surgical procedure, post-operative care instructions, potential complications to watch for, and what to expect during the recovery process is essential. This helps empower patients to take an active role in their recovery and ensures they know how to care for themselves effectively after surgery.
Follow-Up Appointments: Scheduling and conducting follow-up appointments to assess the patient's progress, remove sutures or dressings if necessary, and address any concerns or questions the patient may have. Regular follow-up appointments allow the surgeon to monitor the patient's healing process and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Coordination of Care: Coordinating with other members of the healthcare team, including nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists, to provide comprehensive and integrated care for the patient. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of the patient's recovery and rehabilitation are addressed effectively.
Emotional Support: Offering emotional support and reassurance to patients and their families throughout the post-operative period can significantly impact their overall experience and recovery. Surgeons can help alleviate anxiety and address any concerns or fears the patient may have about their surgery and recovery.
By providing attentive and comprehensive post-operative care, surgeons can help optimize patient outcomes, minimize complications, and promote a smooth and successful recovery following surgery.
Monitoring: Monitoring the patient's vital signs, pain levels, and overall condition immediately after surgery and during the post-operative recovery period is crucial. This helps identify any potential complications early on and allows for prompt intervention.
Pain Management: Ensuring adequate pain management is essential for patient comfort and recovery. Surgeons often work closely with pain management specialists and other healthcare professionals to develop personalized pain management plans tailored to each patient's needs.
Education and Information: Providing patients and their families with clear and comprehensive information about the surgical procedure, post-operative care instructions, potential complications to watch for, and what to expect during the recovery process is essential. This helps empower patients to take an active role in their recovery and ensures they know how to care for themselves effectively after surgery.
Follow-Up Appointments: Scheduling and conducting follow-up appointments to assess the patient's progress, remove sutures or dressings if necessary, and address any concerns or questions the patient may have. Regular follow-up appointments allow the surgeon to monitor the patient's healing process and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Coordination of Care: Coordinating with other members of the healthcare team, including nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists, to provide comprehensive and integrated care for the patient. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of the patient's recovery and rehabilitation are addressed effectively.
Emotional Support: Offering emotional support and reassurance to patients and their families throughout the post-operative period can significantly impact their overall experience and recovery. Surgeons can help alleviate anxiety and address any concerns or fears the patient may have about their surgery and recovery.
By providing attentive and comprehensive post-operative care, surgeons can help optimize patient outcomes, minimize complications, and promote a smooth and successful recovery following surgery.
Waseem Jafri
Consultant ophthalmologist
36
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Waseem’s Answer
Postoperative care is very important regarding the successful outcome of any surgery. Proper counseling of the patient is very important both preoperative and Postoperative.