General surgeries are common these days. Whether recovering from breast surgery, gallbladder surgery, or other non-invasive procedures, this can be complex if you lack the right supplies. However, the recovery process varies between patients, and some standard items will come in handy after the procedure.
Typically, most patients feel better when they relax and take it easy. Patients also need a few days to begin feeling better and regain energy. What of minor procedures? You also require adequate rest and sleep, hence the need to have everything within reach.
What are common non-invasive surgical procedures?
There are different types of general surgeries. These are procedures performed by general surgeons who use specific surgical procedures to repair injuries, alleviate disease and promote better health. The surgeons also perform multiple diagnostic tests and offer guidance to patients seeking general surgeries. To learn more about them or book an appointment with a general surgeon, visit drdanielgay.com.
The common general surgeries include:
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Colorectal surgery
This type of procedure covers both minor and major rectal and colon diseases. These may include; inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, colon cancer, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
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Trauma surgery
General surgeons undergo intensive training to offer critical care to patients. They can handle surgical emergencies and critically injured or very ill patients. General surgeons will also treat organ perforations, bowel obstructions, bleeding, gallbladder removal, appendix raptures, and more.
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Laparoscopic surgery
This medical procedure allows surgeons to access the internal parts of the abdomen and pelvis. The exciting bit about this type of surgery is that the surgeon doesn’t have to make a large incision on your skin. The procedure minimizes complications associated with surgical wounds after the operation.
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Thyroid cancer
Surgery is the preferred treatment method for thyroid cancer. It involves the removal of the tumor and parts or all the remaining thyroid gland. For small tumors, the procedure involves removing the side containing the tumor. And this is commonly known as lobectomy.
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Breast surgery
General surgeons can handle non-cosmetic breast surgery. The procedure helps manage multiple beast disorders like lumpectomy or total mastectomy. Breast surgery also involves other techniques such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy. The surgery may sometimes be performed in non-cancerous breast conditions too.
Here are essentials that you need after surgery:
1. Hand sanitizer
Infections do occur after surgeries and can bring about multiple complications. You must wash and disinfect your hands to avoid transferring bacteria and other disease-causing organisms to the surgery area.
However, it’s almost impossible to wash your hands often. This shouldn’t bother you, though! A hand sanitizer will clean your hand and also keep germs at bay. It will help avoid infections and ensure a quick recovery.
2. Easy to-cook-foods
Nutrition plays a significant role in pots surgery care. You must eat healthy to replenish lost energy and nutrients. However, it may not be easy to prepare your favorite meals after the surgery. To avoid the stress associated with food preparation, stock enough frozen meals.
What are the best foods to boost recovery?
Various foods will provide your body with adequate nutrients and help fight infections. These include;
- Berries- Berries are laced with antioxidants and help in damage repair. They are rich in vitamin C, which helps rebuild collagen and sift tissues. Also, they will help in faster healing of the incision.
- Vegetables: Vegetables are laden with minerals and vitamins. These include carrots, cabbage, broccoli, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. Also, eat dark green vegetables like kales and spinach.
- Protein& iron-rich foods-Stock poultry, seafood, eggs, nuts, end, and lentils.
- Fats- Fats aid in the absorption of vitamins. They also help strengthen e your immunity, thus preventing infections. Healthy fats include; olive oil, nuts, avocados, coconut oil.
3. Comfortable clothing
Loose-fitting clothes are comfortable and are an excellent choice for surgery patients. They will come in handy, particularly if you underwent abdominal, lower back, or pelvic procedures.
What’s more? Loose clothes help avoid rubs against a fresh or very sensitive incision. Such outfits will also ensure a more comfortable sleep, for you’ll spend most of your time in bed.
4. Prescription medicines
Your surgeon will prescribe some medications to use during recovery. If he or she can write them down before the surgery, the better. This way, you can purchase and have them at home once you get out of the hospital. Otherwise, you’ll have to move around acquiring the prescription medicine once you leave the hospital.
5. Emergency contacts
Have contact information of your surgeon; you may need to reach out for help during emergencies. Don’t wait until you have an issue to look for your doctor’s contacts. This might take time and may result in more complications. Therefore, have all your surgeon’s contacts and have a loved one save them too. You never know when you might need to call the surgeon.
6. Post-surgery care supplies
You will be caring for the incision after the surgery, and you need the right supplies for the task. Discuss this with your surgeon and find out what you need. Acquire all the supplies beforehand to avoid bothering about them after the procedure.
These may include; alcohol pads, medical tape, gloves, gauze rolls, and more. Also, understand how to use them and seek help from the doctor if need be.
7. Clean drinking water
You need to stay hydrated after the surgery. Drinking enough water will help eliminate toxins and anesthesia, and other medicines from your body. That’s not all, though! Water helps in pain management and will make it easier to manage pain.
Still, it’ll lower the risk of urinary tract infections and raise your energy levels. When you drink enough water, you avoid feeling dizzy and reduce the chances of muscle fatigue. Water also helps transport nutrients to all parts of the body, thus encouraging faster healing.
A quick wrap up
You need various things to ease the healing process. Acquire all you need and avoid strenuous activities after the surgery.
Don’t rush to resume work or other daily activities. This can result in pain, injuries, and slower recovery. Moreover, there are things and foods to avoid, talk to your doctor about this and follow all the instructions.