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What is postoperative pain? – Postoperative pain is an anticipated and temporary pain that occurs following grafting procedures or burn excision and is most commonly the result of increased pain from newly created wounds,

What is postoperative pain?

Postoperative pain is considered a form of acute pain due to surgical trauma with an inflammatory reaction and initiation of an afferent neuronal barrage.

Is postoperative pain normal?

Acute postoperative pain is common. Nearly 20 per cent of patients experience severe pain in the first 24 h after surgery, a figure that has remained largely unchanged in the past 30 years. This review aims to present key considerations for postoperative pain management.

What is postoperative?

(post-AH-pruh-tiv) After surgery.

How long is postoperative pain?

Discussion – Although additional analyses are necessary, SuPPR may represent a novel method for evaluating acute pain service performance. Keywords: postoperative pain, acute pain, pain scores In a majority of patients, postoperative pain will diminish over the first few days following surgery.1 – 5 The most common assessment of pain resolution following surgery has focused on static pain scores at fixed postoperative intervals, which provide limited information regarding individual differences in temporal pain profiles, a parameter that could substantively impact the management of pain.

Recent studies by Chapman and colleagues have highlighted disparities in acute postoperative pain trajectories following elective surgery 1 and surgery in cardiac 3 and chronic pain 2 patients over several days. Using advanced modeling techniques (i.e., mixed effects model of linear growth), the studies reported individual differences in the trajectories with about one-third of patients having an increase in pain, a decrease in pain, or constant pain over the first 6 days after surgery.

However, trajectories calculated by Chapman were linear trajectories of once-daily pain. Although an excellent experimental approach in highlighting the disparities in postoperative pain trajectories, this approach was unable to offer insights about the time until patients reported pain relief particularly over sequential assessments.

1. To address these knowledge gaps, the goal of the current study was to conceptually characterize durable effective acute postoperative pain relief (SuPPR) in a group of adults undergoing elective surgery.
2. SuPPR is conceptually defined as the time required until a patient reports multiple sequential mild pain scores (≤4/10).

Any interruption in this sequence is suggestive of a temporary improvement in pain management rather than a durably effective pain management plan. SuPPR is based on the supposition that while prediction and absolute prevention of postoperative pain may not be feasible in all patients, effective postoperative pain management is both desirable and achievable for a large proportion of surgical patients.

What does post op pain feel like?

What kinds of pain will I feel after surgery? – You may be surprised where you feel pain after surgery. The site of surgery is often not the only area of discomfort. You may or may not feel the following:

Muscle pain: You may feel muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, back or chest from lying on the operating table. Throat pain: Your throat may feel sore or scratchy. Movement pain: Sitting up, walking, and coughing are all important activities after surgery, but they may cause increased pain at or around the incision site.

When is postoperative pain the worst?

BACKGROUND – There is international consensus that moderate to severe pain follows day surgery, as reported in studies from the USA, Canada, Europe Asia and Africa, Despite extensive research in the area of day surgery, there is still an insufficient number of studies regarding patients’ experience of pain, especially over time,

Despite an increased focus on pain and the development of new standards of postoperative pain management, pain remains as the most prominent symptom following day surgery, Pain after day surgery is reported mainly during the first week, according to results found with different categories of patients who underwent different types of surgery.

In some cases, pain continues to be severe up to one month postoperatively, There is probably no difference between the patient’s pain experience following day surgery and that following inpatient surgery, However, while inpatients receive professional care in the hospital, day surgery patients are advised and expected to have a physically able adult who can care for them for 24 hours after discharge.

The patient and/or caregiver is presumed to be responsible for care, including pain relief, Furthermore, this 24-hour period is not necessarily sufficient, due to difficulties in managing pain at home, The use of analgesics has been described as low after discharge, despite reported pain, due to factors such as ignorance of the importance of relieving acute pain, regular medication administration or to fear of addiction,

This constitutes a threat to health, as unrelieved pain may contribute to complications such as the risk of developing long-term pain, Pain usually decreases over time, but may remain severe enough to interfere with daily function in some cases. Experience of pain at discharge is an unreliable predictor of pain during the recovery period,

• Moreover, the recovery period required to regain normal function can last several days or even up to six month after surgery,
• It is, however, difficult to manage pain and its interference with daily functions, as long as there is lack of knowledge about the trajectory of the pain experience following day surgery.

It is therefore important to investigate patients’ pain experiences following day surgery at multiple time-points. The Symptom Management Theory (SMT) has been used loosely as the framework in this study. This theory was developed to meet the need for a generic symptom management theory for directing care and research on a variety of symptoms which result from from a variety of diseases and conditions.

1. The theory is based on the interrelatedness of three dimensions: symptom experience, symptom management strategies and outcomes; which are necessary to effectively manage any given symptom or group of symptoms (Fig. ​ 1 ).
2. Each of these dimensions consists of sub-concepts, for example perception, evaluation and response, within the dimension of symptom experience.

The domains; person, environment and health & illness are conceptualised as contextual variables influencing symptom management. The theory is based on assumptions that highlight the importance of taking the patient’s perceptions into account when studying symptoms. Revised Symptom Management Conceptual Model. Dodd et al,, (2001) Advancing the science of Symptom Management Journal of Advanced Nursing, 33(5), p.670. Permission is granted in a letter from John Wiley & Sons Ltd 090210. From this perspective, awareness of pain as a multidimensional subjective experience, dynamic and interacting with the patient’s perceptions, is important in order to understand an individual’s pain reaction,

The three parallel dimensions; affective/motivational, sensory/ discriminative and cognitive/evaluative, all contribute to influencing the patient’s individual perception of pain, The affective/motivational dimension is notable for instance, in connection with patients’ previous experiences of day surgery which have been reported to impact their pain at the next occasion of day surgery.

This suggests that previous experiences of pain may affect pain perception, The sensory/discriminative dimension underlies the patient’s ability to describe pain in terms of intensity, duration and location, Cognitive/evaluative dimensions are associated with factors such as mood, behavior and thought patterns and relate to the difference between the sensory dimensions of pain, i.e.

1. Intensity or severity, and the reactive dimension of pain, i.e.
2. Interference with daily function.
3. Certain aspects of pain’s impact on daily function in an older population up to the third evening following discharge, such as general activity, mood, walking ability, normal work, relations, sleep and enjoyment of life, were described by Kemper,

However, according to our best knowledge, there is a lack of research into how pain interferes with daily life over time in a more general aged population. Pain experiences are defined as patients’ self-reports of the pain 48 hours, seven days and three months following day surgery.

Worst pain refers in the present paper to the patients’ report on a numerical rating scale, NRS, (0-10, where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst imaginable pain). Normal activities are defined as activity/work at home or gainful employment. Daily function is defined as general activity, walking, working, sleep, mood, enjoyment of life and relations with others.

Return to normal activity refers to the ability to return to the activities defined above. The following research questions were asked: What is the proportion of patients with worst pain NRS ≥4 following day surgery? How does pain interfere with daily function and daily life following day surgery? What is the relationship between the worst experienced pain at 48 hours and return to normal activity within seven days? What is the relationship between the pain’s interference with normal activity at 48 hours and return to normal activity within seven days following day surgery? and What is the relationship between worst experienced pain at 48 hours following day surgery and returning to normal activity within seven days and the? The aim of this study is to describe patients’ perception of pain, their return to normal activities and their daily function over time, following day surgery.

Why is it important to treat postoperative pain?

Continuing Education Activity – Postoperative pain is experienced by the vast majority of patients who undergo surgical procedures. Control of postoperative pain plays an essential role in facilitating a patient’s recovery to normal function and reduces the incidence of adverse physiologic and psychological effects associated with acute, uncontrolled pain.

Identify the indications and contraindications for postoperative pain control. Describe the equipment, personnel, preparation, and technique needed for postoperative pain control. Review and evaluate the potential complications and clinical significance of postoperative pain control. Outline interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication to advance postoperative pain control and improve outcomes in patients following surgery.

Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

What is a synonym for postoperative?

Synonyms: operative, surgical.

Who is a postoperative patient?

Postoperative care is the care you receive after a surgical procedure. The type of postoperative care you need depends on the type of surgery you have, as well as your health history. It often includes pain management and wound care. Postoperative care begins immediately after surgery.

It lasts for the duration of your hospital stay and may continue after you’ve been discharged. As part of your postoperative care, your healthcare provider should teach you about the potential side effects and complications of your procedure. Before you have surgery, ask your doctor what the postoperative care will involve.

This will give you time to prepare beforehand. Your doctor may revise some of their instructions after your surgery, based on how your surgery went and how well you’re recovering. Ask as many questions as possible before your surgery, and ask for updated instructions before you’re discharged from the hospital.

How long will I be expected to remain in the hospital?Will I need any special supplies or medications when I go home?Will I need a caregiver or physical therapist when I go home?What side effects can I expect?What complications should I watch out for?What things should I do or avoid to support my recovery?When can I resume normal activity?

The answers to these questions can help you prepare ahead of time. If you expect to need help from a caregiver, arrange for it before your surgery. It’s also important to learn how to prevent, recognize, and respond to possible complications. Depending on the type of surgery you have, there are many potential complications that can arise.

For example, many surgeries put patients at risk of infection, bleeding at the surgical site, and blood clots caused by inactivity. Prolonged inactivity can also cause you to lose some of your muscle strength and develop respiratory complications. Ask your doctor for more information about the potential complications of your specific procedure.

After your surgery is complete, you will be moved to a recovery room. You’ll probably stay there for a couple of hours while you wake up from anesthesia. You’ll feel groggy when you wake up. Some people also feel nauseated. While you’re in the recovery room, staff will monitor your blood pressure, breathing, temperature, and pulse.

• They may ask you to take deep breaths to assess your lung function.
• They may check your surgical site for signs of bleeding or infection.
• They will also watch for signs of an allergic reaction.
• For many types of surgery, you will be placed under general anesthesia.
• Anesthesia can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Once you’re stable, you’ll be moved to a hospital room if you’re staying overnight, or you’ll be moved elsewhere to begin your discharge process.

What are the most common postoperative?

Common Postoperative Complications. Surgery Information Postoperative complications may either be general or specific to the type of surgery undertaken and should be managed with the patient’s history in mind. Common general postoperative complications include postoperative fever, atelectasis, wound infection, embolism and The highest incidence of postoperative complications is between one and three days after the operation.

• Primary haemorrhage (starting during surgery) or reactionary haemorrhage (following postoperative increase in blood pressure) – replace blood loss and may require return to theatre to re-explore the wound.
• Basal atelectasis: minor lung collapse.
• Shock : blood loss, acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism or septicaemia.
• Low urine output: inadequate fluid replacement intra-operatively and postoperatively.

Early

• Pain.
• Acute confusion: exclude dehydration and sepsis. May also be due to other various causes, including pain, sleep disturbance, medication or metabolic disturbances.
• Nausea and vomiting: analgesia or anaesthetic-related; paralytic ileus.
• Fever (see ‘Postoperative fever’, below).
• Secondary haemorrhage: often as a result of infection.
• Wound or anastomosis dehiscence.
• Acute urinary retention.
• Postoperative wound infection.
• Bowel obstruction due to fibrinous adhesions.
• Paralytic Ileus.

Late

• Bowel obstruction due to fibrous adhesions.
• Incisional hernia.
• Persistent sinus.
• Recurrence of reason for surgery – eg, malignancy.
• Cosmetic appearance – depends on many factors (best discussed with surgeon).

0-24 hours

• Tissue damage and necrosis at the operation site.
• Haematoma.
• Pre-existing infection.

24-72 hours

• Pulmonary atelectasis.
• Chest infection.
• Specific infections related to the surgery – eg, biliary infection following biliary surgery, UTI following urological surgery.
• or drug reaction.

Days 3-7

• Bronchopneumonia.
• Wound infection.
• Drip site infection or
• Abscess formation – eg, subphrenic or pelvic, depending on the surgery involved.
• Anastomosis leak.

After 7 days

• If large volumes of blood have been transfused then haemorrhage may be exacerbated by consumption coagulopathy. It may also be due to pre-operative anticoagulants or unrecognised bleeding diathesis.
• Perform clotting screen and platelet count; ensure good intravenous (IV) access. If there is very significant bleeding and it is safe to do so, consider inserting a central venous pressure (CVP) catheter. Give protamine if heparin has been used. Order cross-matched blood. If the clotting screen is abnormal, give fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or platelet concentrates. Consider surgical re-exploration at all times.
• Late postoperative haemorrhage occurs several days after surgery and is usually due to infection damaging vessels at the operation site. Treat the infection and consider exploratory surgery.

• Infectious complications are the main causes of postoperative morbidity in abdominal surgery. Postoperative incidence has lessened with the advent of prophylactic antibiotics but multi-resistant organisms present an increasing challenge.
• Wound infection: the most common form is superficial wound infection occurring within the first week, presenting as localised pain, redness and slight discharge usually caused by skin staphylococci.
• • Usually occur after bowel-related surgery.
  • Most present within the first week but can be seen as late as the third postoperative week, even after leaving hospital.
  • Present with pyrexia and spreading cellulitis or abscess.
  • Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics.
  • Abscess requires suture removal and probing of the wound but deeper abscess may require surgical re-exploration. The wound is left open in both cases to heal by secondary intention.
• is uncommon and life-threatening.
• Wound sinus is a late infectious complication from a deep chronic abscess that can occur after apparently normal healing. It usually needs re-exploration to remove non-absorbable suture or mesh, which is often the underlying cause.

Most wounds heal without complications and healing is not impaired in the elderly unless there are specific adverse factors or complications. Factors which may affect healing rate are :

• This affects about 1% of midline laparotomy wounds.
• It is a serious complication with a mortality of up to 30%.
• It is due to failure of wound closure technique.
• It usually occurs between 7 and 10 days postoperatively.
• Often, it is heralded by serosanguinous discharge from the wound.
• It should be assumed that the defect involves the whole of the wound.
• Initial management includes opiate analgesia, sterile dressing to the wound, fluid resuscitation and early return to theatre for re-suture under general anaesthesia.

• This occurs in 5-20% of laparotomies, usually appearing within the first year but can be delayed by up to 15 years after surgery.
• Risk factors include obesity, distension and poor muscle tone, wound infection and multiple use of the same incision site.
• It presents as a bulge in the abdominal wall close to a previous wound. It is usually asymptomatic but there may be pain, especially if strangulation occurs. It tends to enlarge over time and become a nuisance.
• The current literature suggests:
• Using a transverse incision if possible.
• A suture technique with small bites.
• A wound: suture length ratio of 1:4.
• Recent studies have shown, that the use of prophylactic mesh in an onlay position could have a significant effect on decreasing the rate of incisional hernia,

• Unavoidable tissue damage to nerves may occur during many types of surgery – eg, facial nerve damage during total parotidectomy, impotence following prostate surgery or recurrent laryngeal nerve damage during thyroidectomy.
• There is also a risk of injury whilst under general anaesthetic and being transported and handled in the theatre. These include injuries due to falls from the trolley, damage to diseased bones and joints during positioning, nerve palsies and diathermy burns.

Respiratory complications occur after major surgery, particularly after general anaesthesia and can include :

• Atelectasis (alveolar collapse):
  • This is caused when airways become obstructed, usually by bronchial secretions. Most cases are mild and may go unnoticed.
  • Symptoms are slow recovery from operations, poor colour, mild tachypnoea and tachycardia. A presumed association between atelectasis and early postoperative fever has not been supported by recent studies.
  • Prevention is by pre-operative and postoperative physiotherapy.
  • In severe cases, positive pressure ventilation may be required.
• : requires antibiotics, and physiotherapy.
• Aspiration :
  • May occur in up to 1 in every 2-3,000 operations requiring anesthesia, and almost half of all patients who aspirate during surgery develop a related lung injury, such as pneumonitis or aspiration pneumonia.
  • Sterile inflammation of the lungs from inhaling gastric contents.
  • Presents with a history of vomiting or regurgitation with rapid onset of breathlessness and wheezing. A non-starved patient undergoing emergency surgery is particularly at risk.
  • It may be of help to avoid this by crash induction technique and use of oral antacids or metoclopramide.
  • Mortality is nearly 50% and requires urgent treatment with bronchial suction, positive pressure ventilation, prophylactic antibiotics and IV steroids.
• :
  • Rapid, shallow breathing, severe hypoxaemia with scattered crepitations but no cough, chest pains or haemoptysis, appearing 24-48 hours after surgery.
  • it occurs in many conditions where there is direct or systemic insult to the lung – eg, multiple trauma with shock.
  • The complication is rare and various methods have been described to predict high-risk patients.
  • It requires intensive care with mechanical ventilation with positive end pressure.

See the separate article for further details. DVT and pulmonary embolism are major causes of complications and death after surgery.

• Many cases are silent but present as swelling of the leg, tenderness of the calf muscle and increased warmth with calf pain on passive dorsiflexion of the foot.
• Diagnosis is by venography or Doppler ultrasound.

Pulmonary embolism:

• Classically presents with sudden dyspnoea and cardiovascular collapse with pleuritic chest pain, pleural rub and haemoptysis. However, smaller pulmonary emboli are more common and present with confusion, breathlessness and chest pain.
• Diagnosis is by ventilation/perfusion scanning and/or pulmonary angiography or dynamic CT.

See the separate and articles.

• : this is a common immediate postoperative complication that can often be dealt with conservatively with adequate analgesia. If this fails, catheterisation may be needed, depending on surgical factors, type of anaesthesia, comorbidities and local policies.
• : this is very common, especially in women, and may not present with typical symptoms. Treat with antibiotics and adequate fluid intake.
• :
  • This may be caused by antibiotics, obstructive jaundice and surgery to the aorta.
  • It is often due to an episode of severe or prolonged hypotension.
  • It presents as low urine output with adequate hydration.
  • Mild cases may be treated with fluid restriction until tubular function recovers. However, it is essential to differentiate it from pre-renal acute kidney injury due to hypovolaemia which requires rehydration.
  • In severe cases haemofiltration or dialysis may be needed while function gradually recovers over weeks or months.
  • Factors predictive of acute kidney injury included advanced age, liver disease, high-risk surgery and peripheral arterial disease,

• Delayed return of function :
  • Temporary disruption of peristalsis: the patient may complain of nausea, anorexia and vomiting and it usually appears with the re-introduction of fluids. It is often described as ileus.
  • The more prolonged extensive form with vomiting and intolerance to oral intake is called adynamic obstruction and needs to be distinguished from mechanical obstruction. It involves the large bowel and is usually described as pseudo-obstruction. It is diagnosed by instant barium enema.
• Early mechanical obstruction: this may be caused by a twisted or trapped loop of bowel or adhesions occurring approximately one week after surgery. It may settle with nasogastric aspiration plus IV fluids or progress and require surgery.
• Late mechanical obstruction: adhesions can organise and persist, commonly causing isolated episodes of months or years after surgery. Treat as for the early form.
• Anastomotic leakage or breakdown: small leaks are common, causing small localised abscesses with delayed recovery of bowel function. It is often diagnosed late in the postoperative period. It usually resolves with IV fluids and delayed oral intake but may need surgery,
• Major breakdown causes generalised peritonitis and progressive sepsis needing surgery for peritoneal toilet and antibiotics. A local abscess can develop into a fistula.

This is an enormous subject which cannot be dealt with in any detail here. However, some basic principles are as follows:

• Colorectal surgery – evidence-based interventions associated with a reduction in complications include :
  • Weight control.
  • Optimal nutritional status.
  • Bowel preparation in selected cases (eg, temporary loop ileostomy) but not routinely.
  • Correction of
  • Correction of intra-operative blood loss.
  • Technical aspects – eg, choice of incision, technique, drainage.
  • Adequate postoperative analgesia.
  • Prophylactic use of antibiotics – the effectiveness of antibiotics in preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) is well documented, although debate continues concerning duration and choice.
  • Anastomotic leakage – there are few proven interventions. A Cochrane review found that fewer leakages occurred with stapled anastamosis than with those which were hand-sewn.
  • Ileus – shorter operative times and reduction of intra-operative blood loss are associated with a lower incidence of ileus.
• DVT and pulmonary embolus – see the separate article.
• Intra-operative haemorrhage – pre-operative screening for coagulopathies is important. Various methods are available including mechanical tools, energy-based technologies and topical haemostatic agents.
• Urinary retention – interventions include use of catheterisation, optimal time of removal of catheters, type of anaesthesia and analgesia and fluid balance,

1. ; Temporal patterns of postoperative complications. Arch Surg.2003 Jun138(6):596-602
2. ; Surgical Tutor
3. ; Surgical Tutor, a free online UK resource.
4. ; NICE guideline (April 2019 – last updated August 2020)
5. ; Surgical tutor, a free UK online resource.
6. ;, Ugeskr Laeger.2018 Aug 20180(34). pii: V02180094.
7. ; Prevention of incisional hernia with prophylactic onlay and sublay mesh reinforcement versus primary suture only in midline laparotomies (PRIMA): 2-year follow-up of a multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Lancet.2017 Aug 5390(10094):567-576. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31332-6. Epub 2017 Jun 20.
8. ; Acute Intraoperative Pulmonary Aspiration. Thorac Surg Clin.2015 Aug25(3):301-7. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2015.04.011.
9. ; Guidelines on the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome. BMJ Open Respir Res.2019 May 246(1):e000420. doi: 10.1136/bmjresp-2019-000420. eCollection 2019.
10. ; NICE Guideline (March 2018 – updated August 2019)
11. ; Systematic review of interventions for the prevention and treatment of postoperative urinary retention. BJS Open.2018 Nov 193(1):11-23. doi: 10.1002/bjs5.50114. eCollection 2019 Feb.
12. ; Predictors of postoperative acute renal failure after noncardiac surgery in patients with previously normal renal function. Anesthesiology.2007 Dec107(6):892-902.
13. ; Postoperative ileus: strategies for reduction. Ther Clin Risk Manag.2008 Oct4(5):913-7.
14. ; Anastomotic leaks after intestinal anastomosis: it’s later than you think. Ann Surg.2007 Feb245(2):254-8.
15. ; Complications in colorectal surgery: risk factors and preventive strategies. Patient Saf Surg.2010 Mar 254(1):5. doi: 10.1186/1754-9493-4-5.

: Common Postoperative Complications. Surgery Information

How do you relieve postoperative pain?

How will the anesthesiologist manage my pain? – In the first hours and days of your recovery, you may be given pain medication through an IV in a vein. This medication may be an, a powerful drug that prompts the release of dopamine — a chemical in the brain that reduces the perception of pain. Opioids also can be taken in pill form, and there are different types and strengths of opioids. Your anesthesiologist will determine the specific medication to use based on your type of surgery, pain level, health status, and history. Postoperative pain also can be managed by other prescription and over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and aspirin (Bayer). Anesthesiologists work with your surgical team to evaluate, monitor, and supervise your care before, during, and after surgery—delivering anesthesia, leading the Anesthesia Care Team, and ensuring your optimal safety. : Post-Op Pain – Management & Recovery | Made for This Moment

Why is day 3 after surgery the worst?

Swelling and Bruising. Tissue injury, whether accidental or intentional (e.g. surgery), is followed by localized swelling. After surgery, swelling increases progressively, reaching its peak by the third day. It is generally worse when you first arise in the morning and decreases throughout the day.

What is postoperative after surgery?

Pain medication –

Local anesthetics (i.e., Novocaine) are put into the incision after surgery. It is not uncommon for patients to encounter more pain on the first or second day after surgery. This is the time when swelling peaks. Taking pain medication before bedtime will assist in sleeping. It is important not to drink alcoholic beverages or drive while taking narcotic medication. If you were prescribed narcotic medication (i.e., vicodin, hydrocodone, darvocet) you can supplement those medications with 200 mg or 400 mg of ibuprofen every 4-6 hours. You should resume your normal medications for other conditions the day after surgery.

What is the difference between preoperative and postoperative?

What is a preoperative or postoperative assessment? – A preoperative assessment takes place before surgery to help the patient prepare for the operation and recovery, A postoperative assessment takes place after surgery to determine the effects of the operation and help the patient get back to their usual level of functioning. Common elements of pre- and post-surgery assessments are:

strength endurance range of motion cardiovascular fitness weight and overall health

What is the difference between perioperative and postoperative?

“Perioperative” is a term used to describe the time around surgery. It generally refers to the period between going to the hospital or clinic and returning home afterward, but it can also include months of preparation and recovery. The perioperative period has three distinct phases:

Preoperative: before surgeryIntraoperative: during surgeryPostoperative: after surgery

Every surgery is broken down into these phases to differentiate tasks and establish who is responsible for overseeing and delivering each stage of care. By maintaining a strict adherence to procedures and a clear chain of command, hospital teams are able to deliver consistent, optimal care from the moment a surgery is ordered to the time when a person is fully recovered.

What is the meaning of postoperative recovery?

Postoperative recovery is complete when function is restored and adverse symptoms have resolved. Function and symptoms can be assessed at time points considered significant by the patient, clinician or institution.