After surgery, antibiotics will be given to prevent infection, along with medication to control pain. For severely injured or very ill patients, recovery may take days or weeks, and often includes rehabilitation therapy. Patients who require a ventilator to breathe will typically remain in Intensive Care until they are able to breathe without assistance.
For patients too sick to eat, nutrition can be given by IV or through a tube that goes up the nose and down the esophagus into the stomach. Once strong enough, the patient will begin eating by sipping small amounts of clear liquids and progress to a normal diet as food is tolerated.
For patients who are cured by surgery, recovery will begin with sitting on the edge of the bed or walking to the bathroom with assistance. The staff will provide incision care during this time, and teach the patient how to care for the surgical incision when they go home.
Once the patient is well enough, and able to care for their own basic needs, including eating, drinking and using the bathroom, they are typically discharged to continue healing at home.
More Information: Answers To Common Questions After Surgery
