Cholecystectomy: postoperative period
Cholecystectomy is an operation in which, according to indications, the gallbladder is removed. Surgery is considered one of the most effective ways to treat gallstones. Rehabilitation after cholecystectomy is a prerequisite for the successful recovery of the patient.
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Changes in the patient's body after surgery
Before the start of the operation, the patient is given general anesthesia, which involves artificial ventilation of the lungs. Because of this procedure, the function of external respiration is temporarily impaired, the patient's condition after cholecystectomy is assessed as dangerous.
Upon completion of the operation, pain is localized in the abdominal cavity. Also, due to surgical intervention, the patient's activity decreases and the protective functions of the body decrease. In the place where the incision was made, swelling and inflammation occur.
The described factors contribute to the development of various complications, including damage to the organs of the respiratory and other systems. In order to avoid negative consequences, it is important to follow the recommendations after cholecystectomy, which provide for the implementation of certain exercises and nutrition correction.
Stages of rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after removal of the gallbladder is carried out in:
- hospital conditions;
- outpatient setting.
The patient is admitted to the hospital immediately after cholecystectomy. Internal organs need some time to adapt to changing conditions. First of all, the operation disrupts the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, in the first two days, drug therapy is carried out, designed to restore the patient's condition.
Medicines are prescribed taking into account the characteristics of the course of the pathology, the age of the patient and a number of other factors. Drug therapy in a hospital contributes to the normalization of the functions of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
After about two weeks, the patient's rehabilitation is carried out on an outpatient basis. At this stage, subject to compliance with medical recommendations (for example, strict nutrition after cholecystectomy in the first days), respiratory function returns to normal. The work of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract is also restored, and the damaged tissues are completely regenerated. The functions of the removed bladder by this time are taken over by the bile ducts.
After about three months, the patient's motor functions are restored. By this time, the organs of the gastrointestinal tract are functioning fully.
If cholecystectomy was performed, the postoperative period usually takes several months and often includes spa treatment. The length of recovery depends on several factors. A special role in successful treatment is played by the diet after cholecystectomy.
The type of operation also affects the duration of recovery. Removal of the gallbladder is carried out by:
- Laparotomy. The method involves making a large incision in the abdominal cavity with subsequent removal of the organ. Laparotomy is usually used in emergency cases. Like other abdominal operations, this type of surgery requires a long rehabilitation.
- Laparoscopy. The gallbladder is removed through several small incisions made in the abdominal wall. During laparoscopic surgery, tissue trauma is reduced, thereby reducing the duration of the recovery period.
Only exact observance of the nutritional rules established by the doctor allows you to achieve positive results during the rehabilitation period.
Rehabilitation in a hospital
During the first two days after the removal of the gallbladder, the patient needs special care. During this period, the risk of developing multiple complications is high. Particular attention is paid to the normalization of respiratory function, disturbed by artificial ventilation of the lungs. For this, special gymnastic exercises have been developed.
After the patient recovers from anesthesia, he needs to devote time for 3-5 minutes daily to perform breathing techniques. It consists in the following: the patient takes the deepest possible breaths through the nose, and then exhales sharply. This operation should be repeated 10-15 times.
Surgeons recommend resuming physical activity as soon as possible. Therefore, after a few hours, the patient should get out of bed and perform simple actions. In the future, special therapeutic exercises are prescribed, providing for a gradual increase in loads.
The diet after cholecystectomy in the first days is as sparing as possible. It involves the consumption of pure water, tea without sugar and non-acidic juices. A little later, yogurt and other products are introduced into the diet that help the organs of the gastrointestinal tract adapt to the changes that have occurred.
These procedures in hospital treatment are supplemented by drug therapy, which includes:
- enzyme preparations to activate the work of the digestive tract;
- painkillers to relieve pain;
- preparations for the correction of intestinal paresis.
If cholecystectomy was performed, the diet after surgery is strictly controlled by the doctor. It is important to exclude any foods that can cause constipation and other complications.
Rehabilitation on an outpatient basis
If there are no complications during the rehabilitation of the patient in the hospital, he is transferred to outpatient treatment. On the third day after discharge from the clinic, the surgeon and therapist examine the patient to assess his condition. A second visit to these doctors is scheduled after 1 and 3 weeks.
14 days after the completion of treatment in the hospital, a biochemical blood test is performed. This procedure is repeated after a year. In the first month, depending on the indications, it is possible to conduct an examination by ultrasound. A year later, the procedure is appointed without fail.
In order to strengthen the body and speed up recovery, the patient needs to gradually increase physical activity, increasing the load. Among the medical and recreational activities shown during the rehabilitation period include:
- performing exercises aimed at strengthening the abdominal muscles;
- increasing the duration of walks;
- breathing exercises.
The diet after cholecystectomy in the first three months provides for the rejection of fried, spicy and fatty foods. During this period, preference should be given to food with a normal content of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Nutrition after cholecystectomy should be fractional: the patient needs to consume food every 3 hours in small portions. It is allowed to drink no more than 1.5 liters of liquid daily.
All foods included in the diet must be baked, boiled or steamed. Eating is recommended no later than 1.5 hours before bedtime. Within two hours after eating, it is forbidden to lie down and bend over.
It is allowed to dilute the diet about six months after the operation to remove the gallbladder. Foods that were previously forbidden to be taken are gradually introduced into the diet. For example, in the first month it is allowed to eat a small portion of fried meat. The second time this product can be included in the diet no earlier than 30 days later.
The transition to a new diet should be agreed with the attending physician.
Drug treatment on an outpatient basis is used if there are appropriate indications. In case of detection of duodenogastric reflux, characterized by the fact that the contents of the duodenum penetrate into the stomach, the doctor prescribes antireflux drugs: Motilium and others.
If ultrasound showed the presence of erosions of the gastric mucosa, antisecretory drugs are used. Antacids are indicated to suppress pain and heartburn.
In addition to these procedures, physiotherapy is prescribed, the duration of the rehabilitation period is reduced.
Spa treatment
Sanatorium-resort treatment is indicated for all patients who underwent surgery to remove the gallbladder. It provides a speedy recovery of the body.
At this stage of rehabilitation, the patient also needs to follow a certain diet. In order to adapt the digestive organs to new conditions, electrophoresis with succinic acid is prescribed. In addition, balneological treatment is carried out through radon and other baths and energy metabolism is corrected by regular intake of appropriate drugs.
Recovery after surgery to remove the gallbladder requires special conditions created for the patient. An important role in the process of restoring the body is played by diet therapy, which provides for a serious correction of the daily diet.
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