Skip navigation
A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
From the National Institutes of HealthNational Institutes of Health
   Other Topics: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W XYZ All Topics

After Surgery

Also called: Postoperative care, Recovery from surgery 
 
 

After any operation, you'll have some side effects. There is usually some pain with surgery. There may also be swelling and soreness around the area that the surgeon cut. Your surgeon can tell you which side effects to expect.

There can also be complications. These are unplanned events linked to the operation. Some complications are infection, too much bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, or accidental injury. Some people have a greater risk of complications because of other medical conditions.

Your surgeon can tell you how you might feel and what you will be able to do - or not do - the first few days, weeks, or months after surgery. Some other questions to ask are

  • How long you will be in the hospital
  • What kind of supplies, equipment, and help you might need when you go home
  • When you can go back to work
  • When it is ok to start exercising again
  • Are they any other restrictions in your activities

Following your surgeon's advice can help you recover as soon as possible.

Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
Basics Learn More Multimedia & Cool Tools
 

 

 
Research Reference Shelf For You
 

 

 

 

 

Photograph of a male doctor at the bedside of a male patient

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA  

Languages

 

 

 

After Surgery - Multiple Languages