Understanding Post-Surgical Air
Experiencing trapped air after surgery is common, often leading to discomfort. A primary source is the insufflation of gases, typically carbon dioxide, into the body cavity during laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgeries. This gas creates space for surgeons to visualize and operate, but some can remain trapped post-procedure.
The digestive system can also accumulate air during recovery. Patients may inadvertently swallow air due to factors like anxiety, altered breathing patterns, or while drinking fluids. This swallowed air contributes to abdominal bloating. Both sources of trapped air can lead to referred pain, where discomfort is felt away from the actual source, commonly manifesting as pain in the shoulders or chest.
Practical Strategies for Relief
Gentle movement is recommended to encourage the expulsion of trapped gas after surgery. Short, frequent walks, as tolerated and approved by the medical team, can stimulate the digestive system and help gas move through the intestines. Even simply getting out of bed and sitting in a chair for brief periods can promote gas passage.
Adjusting body position can also relieve pressure. Lying on one’s side, particularly the left side, may help gas travel more easily through the colon. Elevating the upper body slightly while resting can also alleviate pressure on the diaphragm and chest, easing discomfort from referred shoulder pain. Applying a warm compress or a low-setting heating pad to the abdomen can offer comfort by relaxing muscles in the area.
Dietary choices play a role in managing post-surgical gas. Avoiding foods known to produce excess gas, such as carbonated beverages, beans, broccoli, cabbage, and onions, can prevent additional discomfort. Focusing on easily digestible, bland foods and maintaining adequate hydration by sipping water or clear broths throughout the day supports digestive function. A gentle abdominal massage, if comfortable and approved by a healthcare provider, might also aid in moving gas along the digestive tract.
Over-the-counter medications, such as those containing simethicone, can help break down gas bubbles in the digestive system. Simethicone works by reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles, allowing them to combine into larger bubbles that are easier to pass. Consulting with a healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter aids is advisable to ensure appropriateness for post-surgical recovery.
When to Contact Your Doctor
While post-surgical gas is a common discomfort, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. A sudden worsening of pain, especially if severe or localized, should be reported to your medical team. The development of a fever, persistent nausea, or intractable vomiting also indicates a need for evaluation, as these could signal complications beyond trapped air.
Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement for an extended period after surgery is a concerning sign requiring medical consultation. Any new, unexpected symptoms, such as significant abdominal distension that does not resolve or changes in wound appearance, should prompt a call to your doctor. Adhere to all post-operative instructions, as they are tailored to your recovery needs.