What is the main goal of post-operative care?

The main goal of post-operative care is to prevent complications and promote healing. This involves monitoring the patient for any signs of infection, ensuring proper wound healing, managing pain effectively, and supporting the patient's overall well-being during the recovery process. Effective post-operative care is crucial in minimizing the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or infections which can prolong recovery or lead to additional health issues.

Promoting healing encompasses not only physical aspects but also emotional and psychological support. This holistic approach aids in enhancing the patient's recovery trajectory, helping them regain strength and mobility as quickly and safely as possible.

While eliminating pain, facilitating early discharge, and ensuring patient satisfaction are important components of post-operative care, they are secondary to the primary goal of preventing complications and ensuring that the patient's body is healing appropriately. Focusing solely on pain relief or discharge can overlook critical issues that may arise during recovery.