After surgery, medical teams encourage patients to walk as soon as it is safe. This practice, known as post-operative ambulation, is a fundamental part of the recovery process. While rest is a component of recovery, purposeful movement helps the body’s systems return to normal function more efficiently after a surgical procedure.
Combating Circulatory Complications
A primary benefit of walking after surgery is the prevention of serious circulatory issues. During periods of immobility, blood flow slows, creating an environment where clots can form in the deep veins of the legs, a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A DVT can cause swelling and pain in the affected leg.
The danger of a DVT is that the clot, or a piece of it, can break free, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, and cause a pulmonary embolism (PE). A PE is a blockage that can stop blood from reaching the lungs and is often life-threatening.
When you walk, your leg muscles contract and squeeze the surrounding veins, acting as a pump that propels blood toward the heart. This activity prevents blood from stagnating, reducing the likelihood of a clot forming. Improved circulation also ensures that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the surgical site, supporting tissue repair.
Boosting Respiratory Health
The respiratory system is vulnerable to complications after surgery. General anesthesia and pain medications can lead to shallow breathing, which causes the smallest air sacs in the lungs (alveoli) to collapse. This condition, known as atelectasis, creates areas where air exchange cannot occur and mucus can become trapped.
This environment can lead to pneumonia, a serious lung infection. Ambulation mitigates these risks by encouraging deeper, more regular breathing. Deeper breaths re-inflate collapsed alveoli, clear secretions, and keep the lungs fully functional. This process helps maintain lung health and prevent pneumonia.
Accelerating Overall System Recovery
Early movement benefits multiple body systems and speeds up a return to normalcy. The gastrointestinal system, for instance, can become sluggish after surgery due to anesthesia and pain medications. This may lead to bloating, constipation, or a temporary shutdown of the bowels known as a post-operative ileus. Walking stimulates peristalsis, the muscle contractions that move waste through the intestines, helping to prevent these issues.
Prolonged bed rest also leads to a loss of muscle mass and strength, a condition called muscle atrophy. Walking helps preserve musculoskeletal function, making it easier for patients to regain independence. Gentle activity can also reduce overall discomfort and stiffness, which may decrease the amount of pain medication needed. These benefits contribute to a smoother recovery and can result in a shorter hospital stay.