It seems to many that the operation is the most difficult stage of treatment, and after leaving anesthesia the patient is safe. In fact, you can talk about success only after the end of the recovery period. Postoperative bandages are an integral part of the rehabilitation period. Without them, the recovery process can be severely delayed, and the risk of complications increases.
Types and benefits of postoperative bandages
At its core, the postoperative band is nothing more than a piece of elastic tissue that protects the seam. Patients want to return to normal life after surgery as soon as possible. In a few days after discharge, they are taken for ordinary cases, exposing themselves to the very serious dangers. Even a slight load can cause seam divergence (especially on the abdomen). The consequences of this problem are unpredictable, and it is possible to cope with it only after returning to the hospital for an indefinite period.
Postoperative or as they are called - abdominal bandages come in four main types:
- postoperative;
- hernial;
- prenatal;
- postpartum .
They, in turn, are divided into several subspecies:
- Postoperative bandages on the abdominal cavity prevent the violation of the anatomical location of the organs and the appearance of postoperative hernias. Sutures under this bandage heal quickly and neatly.
- Band belts are designed for wearing on the waist. They are intended for pregnant women.
- Bandages on the chest gently fix the ribs and intercostal muscles. These adaptations restrict the movement of breathing, and therefore the patient does not feel pain.
- Compression postoperative bandages ensure correct closure of the edges of the seam. Due to the soft compression effect, the seams heal faster. At the site of the cut, there is no swelling.
- Surgical postnatal bandages are necessary for women who have undergone cesarean delivery. It will not be superfluous to adapt to those of the fair sex who gave birth naturally.
- Postoperative hernial umbilical bandage tightly adjacent to the body. To wear it is necessary for those whose muscles of the abdominal wall have weakened and stretched. The band tightly fixes the internal organs. This device is prescribed for hernia of the white line of the abdomen and anterior abdominal wall.
All postoperative bandages on the abdomen and chest have a lot of advantages:
- reduce the load on the muscles;
- eliminate the signs of abdominal syndrome;
- relieve the load from the internal organs and spine;
- support the abdomen and chest;
- reliably fix the internal organs.
How to choose a postoperative bandage?
The main criterion for choosing a band is width. A bandage that covers the seam and not less than a centimeter of tissue around it is considered to be suitable. Important and girth bandage - a parameter that can easily be determined, knowing the amount of waist (for the bandage on the abdominal cavity) and the chest of the patient.
Choosing bandages, preference is best given to those specimens that are made of natural materials. Ideal option - cotton. You can determine whether the bandage is suitable for you, only by measuring it. Even if you feel the slightest discomfort, it is better to take a different size - the bandage should be inconspicuous and as convenient as possible.
How long it will take to wear a postoperative bandage will be determined by a specialist. Be ready to spend with this unusual device for at least a week for sure. After that, the expert will share his forecasts for the next consultation. Some patients with a bandage have to walk for several months, but usually for a full recovery a couple of weeks is enough.