Improve Surgical Recovery by Avoiding these Common Mistakes

Follow the entire “What You Need to Know About Surgery” series here. In this series, we will share information on how to determine if surgery is right for you, how to ask the right questions, and how to prepare and recover optimally. Most surgeons and hospitals consider surgery a success if you wake up and leave the hospital without major complications. However, this standard needs to be reevaluated, according to a 2020 review article in Anaesthesia, the journal of the Association of Anaesthetists. Surgeons may not always follow up with you after surgery, which can be frustrating. Surgery itself can cause new symptoms and conditions, such as postcholecystectomy syndrome. Continuity of care is important for a successful recovery. A study in JAMA Surgery found that Medicare patients who had follow-up appointments with their primary care doctor within 30 days of discharge had a 67 percent reduction in readmissions. Setting goals for functional recovery is crucial, as most surgeries are elective. Patients should focus on improving their postoperative quality of life and returning to their previous level of independence and function. However, the healthcare system does not always consider downstream complications and factors that can affect rehabilitation. Surgery is a controlled trauma that requires the body to regenerate tissues and heal. Patients who are physically, nutritionally, and psychologically fit tend to have better surgical outcomes. Hospitals often prioritize metrics like length of hospital stay and readmissions, but surgery itself can lead to long-term or permanent loss of independence and disability. Older adults who undergo surgery may experience a loss of function, especially if they had a disability before surgery. Recovery may offer gradual but partial gains for most patients. Patients should be informed of the risks and consider the impact of surgery on their quality of life. Enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) have been implemented to improve patient outcomes. These programs emphasize pain control, early mobility, adequate nutrition and hydration, and patient participation. However, hospitals have faced challenges in implementing ERPs due to various barriers. Patient education is crucial in surgical recovery. Surgeons should prepare patients for their recovery before admission and provide information after discharge. This can lead to shorter hospital stays, reduced need for pain medication, and increased patient satisfaction. Extended fasting before surgery can increase complications. Evidence contradicts the dogma of avoiding food and drink for up to 24 hours before surgery. Patients should be educated about the importance of nutrition and hydration before surgery. These common mistakes can contribute to problems during recovery.



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