Is a bandage needed after surgery?
The postoperative effect of the bandage lies in the external pressure that the Intex elastic belt exerts on the abdominal area after surgery and childbirth. Wearing a bandage after surgery : - Reduces the load on the postoperative wound, preventing the sutures from coming apart. — Improves blood circulation in the area of the postoperative wound, accelerating the formation of fibrin fibers. A durable scar is formed, eliminating the formation of a hernia - protrusion of internal organs through the scar area. — Provides external pressure on the postoperative suture, orienting fibrin fibers in the correct direction. This prevents the appearance of overgrown keloid scars. – Supports abdominal muscles weakened after surgery, helping the patient maintain a slim figure. — Fix internal organs in the correct position. This reduces the risk of the kidneys descending into the pelvic area.
Carrying out CABG
Coronary artery bypass surgery on a beating heart begins with providing access to the operation site - the skin, subcutaneous layers, and muscles are cut layer by layer.
A graft (shunt) - a healthy section of a vein or artery - is taken from the patient's chest or limb (thigh, lower leg). To perform surgery on a beating heart, special equipment is used to stabilize the myocardium at the site of the anastomosis. One end of the healthy vessel is sutured to the aorta, the other to the coronary artery below the stenotic/narrowed area. Then full heart function is restored, the wound is sutured, and the patient is transferred to the intensive care unit.
Coronary bypass surgery in most clinics is performed with cardiac arrest using a heart-lung machine. The use of this method is associated with the risk of complications that prolong recovery time, worsen recovery, and can lead to bleeding, stroke, and heart attack. Carrying out surgery without artificial circulation - on a beating heart - reduces the risk of postoperative complications.
How to choose a postoperative abdominal bandage?
What postoperative bandages are considered high quality? The postoperative bandage should fully relieve the postoperative suture and support the abdominal muscles, be comfortable to wear and not cause allergies. The postoperative Russian Intex bandage fits tightly to the abdomen, easing the load on the scar and abdominal muscles. The belt is made of durable, non-allergenic materials (latex, polyester, polypropylene - can cause allergic reactions of an individual nature), therefore it has a fine texture that allows you to wear the belt discreetly under clothing.
Indications for coronary artery bypass grafting
Indications for CABG are determined by varying degrees of arterial damage and manifestations of coronary heart disease:
As a rule, CABG is not performed:
- severe multiple organ failure;
- during the first months after cerebrovascular accident;
- malignant neoplasms.
How to choose a postoperative bandage?
In order to select an Intex bandage, you need to take two measurements (in cm): waist circumference and hip circumference. Then you need to compare the measurements with the tabulated intervals. Let's assume that your waist is 76 cm and your hips are 105 cm. These measurements fit into the intervals corresponding to size 3 (M).
The width of the postoperative bandage depends on the location of the scar. A belt with a width of 22 cm is suitable for people below average height, 30 cm - for people above average height. By average we mean a height of 175 cm for a man, 165 cm for a woman.
Other recommendations
There are a few other mandatory tips that patients undergoing valve replacement surgery must follow.
- If you experience symptoms of cardiac problems (chest pain, a feeling of interruptions in the heart), signs of circulatory problems (swelling in the legs, shortness of breath) and other unexpected symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.
- Patients who have had a biological valve installed are not recommended to take calcium supplements. In their diet, it is advisable for them not to overuse products containing it: milk and dairy products, sesame seeds, nuts (almonds, Brazilian), sunflower seeds, soy.
- All doctors, including the dentist, need to warn the patient that he has an artificial valve installed.
Following the necessary recommendations will help the patient maintain excellent health for a long time and live a full life.
FAQ
When can you sit down after surgery?
Not until the spine is strong enough. If there are no problems, you can sit 4 weeks after the hernia surgery.
Are there relapses during the rehabilitation period?
They happen, but proper rehabilitation will reduce the risk of hernia recurrence.
How to eliminate leg pain during rehabilitation?
Leg pain after hernia removal is normal. The reason is the long-term pressure of the hernia on the nerves through which the brain controls the functioning of the legs. During surgery, the pressure is relieved, but it may take several weeks for the nerve tissue to recover. During this time, your lower leg will hurt, your hip will pull, and your limbs will experience numbness. If, while recovering, your leg suddenly begins to hurt sharply and go numb, be sure to tell your doctor. The sooner he determines the cause of the complication, the faster the chances of a speedy recovery, and you will not have to spend several years on treatment.
When can I plan a pregnancy after finishing rehabilitation?
You cannot plan to conceive within a year after removal of the hernia. The fetus will put pressure on the spine, causing a relapse. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor right away.
Is disability granted after completion of rehabilitation?
Rarely, only if the patient’s mobility has not been restored. The decision on disability is made by the ITU commission after a comprehensive examination. The status is assigned for six months, after which it must be confirmed. Your doctor will tell you whether you can get disability.
When is sick leave closed during the rehabilitation period?
If rehabilitation is successful, there are no complications, the doctor closes sick leave after the end of rehabilitation - after 2-3 months. After this, the patient can return to work or change it if it involves difficult working conditions.
Bibliography
- Badalyan L. O. Neuropathology. - M.: Education, 1982. - 317 p.
- Bogolyubov, Medical rehabilitation (manual, in 3 volumes). // Moscow - Perm. - 1998. - 1885 p.
- Popov S. N. Physical rehabilitation. 2005. - 608 p.
- Feshchenko, Ya. V. Non-surgical treatment and prevention of recurrence of intervertebral disc herniations / Ya. V. Feshchenko, L. D. Kravchuk // Pain. Joints. Spine. ─ 2014. ─ No. 3(15). ─ P. 59-61.
Themes
Intervertebral hernia, Spine, Pain, Treatment without surgery Date of publication: 03/26/2021 Date of update: 03/28/2021
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Stages of rehabilitation
Conventionally, rehabilitation is divided into 3 stages.
Follow your doctor's instructions at every stage! Do all actions step by step, do not jump to more difficult movements or exercises ahead of time.
Stage 1 – initial
The early, initial stage lasts the first 15 days. After surgery to remove a spinal hernia, rehabilitation involves taking antibiotics, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), sedatives, and sedatives, as the patient feels discomfort in the back. It subsides within a week. Antiseptic treatment of sutures is carried out regularly to prevent inflammation.
Drug treatment is aimed at:
- tumor reduction;
- reduction of pain syndrome;
- acceleration of tissue healing;
- reducing the risk of infection of the operated area;
- maintaining muscle tone;
- reducing the risk of thrombosis.
What not to do
You can walk at the early stage of rehabilitation only after the doctor’s permission, 5-10 minutes
Immediately after the operation, the body is weak, any sudden movement can provoke suture separation and complications. Therefore, many actions are prohibited at an early stage, including:
- Sit for 3-6 weeks after surgery (the duration of the ban depends on the complexity of the case).
- Walk around the ward on the 1st day after surgery. The doctor usually allows you to move for 2-3 days. However, you cannot walk for a long time at this stage.
- Deep bends – If you have to bend down to pick up something that has fallen, have someone hand it to you.
- Sharp, twisting movements in the spine, bending.
- Any sports.
- Massage.
- Travel by transport, car – 14 days after surgery, even better – 2-3 months.
- Lifting weights – more than 2 kg.
If there are no complications, after the sutures are removed (7-10 days), the patient is discharged from the hospital and given a list of recommendations indicating what can and cannot be done for a year after removal of the hernia. Additionally, the next visit to a rehabilitation specialist is agreed upon.
Stage 2 – recovery
Readaptation (recovery stage) lasts 3-8 weeks. During the second period of rehabilitation after surgery to remove a hernia, the patient is already at home, taking medications if necessary. The main actions are aimed at accelerating healing and developing the back muscles. To achieve these effects, the following is prescribed:
- Physiotherapy.
- Walking 30 minutes a day.
- Exercise therapy in the gym under the supervision of a doctor. Exercise equipment is prohibited.
- Swimming on your stomach.
During movements and physical exercises, the patient should continue to use a corset or collar, which will take the load off the sore back.
At 4-6 weeks after removal of the hernia, the doctor allows you to “sit.” This also needs to be done “correctly”: at first you can only sit on the edge of the chair, trying not to overload the tailbone. The knees should be lower than the pelvis. You need to rise by holding onto the armrests of the chair.
What not to do
Sports, cycling, sudden movements, massage, bathhouse, sauna remain prohibited. However, you need to do exercise therapy and walk for at least 20 minutes. per day with breaks. You cannot stand or sit for more than 20 minutes. Periodically unload the spine, rest lying down for 20-30 minutes.
Stage 3 – late
At stage 3 of rehabilitation after removal of a hernia, you can do more active exercise therapy
From the 9th week after surgery to remove a herniated disc, the late stage begins - intensive physical rehabilitation. It provides:
- more active physical therapy exercises;
- swimming;
- classes on special simulators;
- physiotherapy;
- mud therapy;
- balneotherapy;
- massage, other gentle manual therapy techniques (after 6 months).
What not to do
In the late period of rehabilitation, a person does not feel pain, but one must remember the limitations. Remain prohibited:
- Active sports, sudden movements (swimming allowed).
- Sharp tilts and turns.
- Heavy physical work, lifting weights more than 3 kg.
- Hypothermia - always dress well, if it is very cold, wear a warm belt. If you work as a seller on the street, it is better to find something else to do.
- Bath, sauna.
Jumping and long car rides are prohibited. You cannot sit or stand for a long time (for example, in the office). Get up and move around periodically. If it's cold outside or raining, wear a warming belt. You cannot wear a corset for a long time, so as not to atrophy the long back muscles.
What happens if you don't undergo rehabilitation?
If you ignore the rehabilitation period, the tissues will not heal properly, which will reduce the effectiveness of the hernia surgery. Muscles and ligaments will remain undeveloped, which will have a bad effect on flexibility and the ability to withstand stress. The result is a recurrence of the vertebral hernia, the return of discomfort.
Each type of intervertebral hernia has serious complications, so you should not delay treatment.
See how easy it is to get rid of a hernia in 10 sessions
What does rehabilitation include?
High-quality rehabilitation is a set of measures, each of which is aimed at improving the patient’s health. They are selected individually. To achieve the desired effect, all actions must be carried out under the strict supervision of a physician. The doctor's recommendations must be followed strictly.
Drug therapy
To relieve pain and swelling after surgery in the cervical, lumbar, and thoracic regions, the doctor prescribes:
- Analgesics
(Analgin, Lidocaine, Ketotifen) - relieve pain or reduce its manifestations. - Antibiotics
(Penicillin, Cefazolin, Vancomycin) are needed to prevent post-surgical infections. - NSAIDs
(Diclofenac, Diclak, Ketorol) - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs prevent and relieve inflammation, swelling, pain. - Muscle relaxants
(Baclofen, Tolperisone, Tizanidine) - relax stiff muscles. - Chondroprotectors
(Teraflex, Artra) – strengthen bones and cartilage. - Vitamin-mineral complexes
– trigger metabolic processes, which promotes tissue healing.
Drugs prescribed during the rehabilitation period after hernia surgery
The course of drug therapy is selected by the doctor. You cannot independently reduce or increase the dosage, or shorten the course of rehabilitation after removal of a hernia. As healing progresses, the need for antibiotics, NSAIDs, and analgesics disappears. On the 10th day after removal of the hernia, antibiotics are discontinued if there are no bacterial complications.
Analgesics and NSAIDs are taken until the pain disappears. Chondoprotectors and vitamin complexes that strengthen bones and joints can be used in courses for the rest of your life.
Exercise therapy and gymnastics
The goal of exercise therapy is to restore lost functions of the spine. Exercises strengthen the back muscles, make the ligaments more flexible, without injuring or overloading them. They improve blood flow, and with it the supply of nutrients to the damaged disc, which accelerates tissue regeneration.
To achieve the desired effect, a set of exercises must be selected by the doctor taking into account the age, health, weight, and physical capabilities of the patient. Any attempts to independently adjust exercise therapy, without consultation with a rehabilitation specialist, can provoke an exacerbation of the hernia.
When performing exercises, remember these rules:
- Do not increase the load suddenly.
- Always wear a brace or collar during training.
- If an exercise causes pain, stop immediately or reduce the load. You are not ready for it yet. Contact your doctor for exercise correction.
- Do not do exercises that are prohibited at this stage of rehabilitation after surgery for a herniated disc.
- Avoid active, sudden actions. Swinging legs, jumping, strong bending, twisting exercises, and pull-ups on the horizontal bar are prohibited. Also, you should not make sharp turns of the body to the right or left.
- At the initial stage, the use of barbells, dumbbells, and any power loads is prohibited. If the doctor has approved push-ups, the exercise should first be done from the wall, and only then gradually move on to the classic version.
- Walk every day, preferably in a park or forest. Duration of walks is 30-60 minutes, rest periodically.
Best exercises
Immediately after surgery to remove a herniated disc, the doctor prescribes a gentle complex of exercise therapy. Exercises are done from a supine position:
- Rotation of hands and feet in a circle.
- Move your feet down/up.
- Bend your legs at the knee, bend your arms at the elbow.
- Pulling the right, then the left leg towards the stomach.
Over time, the complex becomes more complicated. The doctor gives more complex stretching exercises to strengthen muscle tissue. Depending on the situation, each action must be done from 4 to 10 (no more) times:
- Lying on your left side, lift your left leg straight. Bend your left elbow and place your hand behind your head. Then change the side.
- Lying on your back, lift your pelvis off the surface.
- Lying on your back, tuck your chin toward your chest.
What types of intervertebral hernias are most difficult to treat?
4 stages of treatment for intervertebral hernia
