Summary In some cases of operations, postsurgical complications can develop.

Postsurgical

symptoms may include swelling, stiffness, weakness, and/or pain in the areas undergoing surgery. The four cases presented in the journal proved the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture in curing different diseases including cancer. Chinese herbal medicine effectively resolved the discharge and blood stasis in biomedical terms producing an anti-inflammatory effect, at the same time regulating gastrointestinal function and promoting healing. Acupuncture can also be used to generally regulate organ function, reduce inflammation and promote healing. Thus after an operation when there is multi-organ dysfunction or chronic inflammation, traditional Chinese medicine constitutes an effective treatment modality. In cases where post-surgical complications arise, or where surgery is not successful in relieving symptoms, acupuncture and/or herbal medicine can be effective modalities to improve patients' recovery. Reaction After your surgery is over, it is easy to feel like you are finished with your health issues and you just need to hurry up and recover so you can go about your life. Sometimes it is that easy you rest for a few days then you are on your feet and back to your normal life. The reality is that often the weeks following surgery arent that simple or easy. Post operative complications may occur. Post operative complications can range from minor, self limiting problems to major life threatening ones depending on the nature of the surgery and the organ operated upon. Complication can be due to anesthesia or surgery or a reaction to the stress of surgery itself. Some complications are general and apply to all procedures and some are specific that apply to only that procedure. I find the study beneficial in a way that it may be an alternative to ease post surgical complications. We may underestimate the result of these alternative treatments, but it is not enough to subject ourselves in pure medications. The use of herbal medications is an example of natural treatment which we may find inexpensive but effective. Most herbal medicines are well tolerated by the patient, with fewer unintended consequences than pharmaceutical drugs. Herbs typically have fewer side effects than traditional medicine, and may be safer to use over time. On the other hand, acupuncture has no side effects. Acupuncture can be used to treat

both physical and mental illnesses. It is also useful for treatment of chronic diseases. It helps in improving memory, boosting immune system, and in regulating hormones. Many people have reported that they get relief from headache, back pain, joint pain, insomnia, stress and fatigue after completing prescribed acupuncture sessions. It restores energy and increases overall stamina of the body. However, prevention is always better than cure. Why subject to these treatments if we can prevent postsurgical complications from happening? It is our responsibility as health care provider to promote safety and avoid negligence to prevent such complications to the patients. Recommendation Post-operative complications may either be general or specific to the type of surgery undertaken, and should be managed with the patient's history in mind. The highest incidence of post-operative complications is between 1 and 3 days after the operation. Therefore, it is a must to prevent these complications from occurring. Part of being an effective nurse is ensuring the safety and prevention of infection to our patients who had undergone surgery. Comfort measures should be provided. When these various conditions arise, they most often interfere with the overall healing process or total recovery period. In addition to causing aggravation and concern to the surgeon, they frequently complicate the operative impressions of the patient. Health care providers should know and be aware of the basic prevention techniques that will provide a substantial decrease in postsurgical complications. Proper medical history and physical examination, vascular evaluation, radiographic, and laboratory studies are important. Good surgical preparation and sterile technique is also an important preventive measure. Always be prepared with adequate and back up instrumentation, including new surgical blades, gauze, or suturing device. Good tissue handling and dissection along with adequate flushing of the wound site with sterile saline solutions are necessary. The well-informed patient can also reduce or prevent postoperative complications by the fact that they have been educated and informed about the pre-, intra-, and postoperative course of events. Hopefully, these will stimulate and encourage the practitioners to be more aware of such complications and therefore recognize and treat these events appropriately.

Angeles University Foundation

Post-surgical Complications Treated by Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

Presented by: Ma. Liezel M. Camba BSN III-2 Presented to: Kristine Caparas RN, MN