Category: Surgical recovery

Nearly 40 million anesthetics are administered in the United States each year [1.6.1]. After surgery, many patients ask, 'How do you flush out anaesthesia?' The reality is not about 'flushing,' but about your body's natural, complex process of metabolic clearance through vital organs.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), a common side effect of anesthesia, occurs in up to 30% of all surgical patients and up to 80% in high-risk groups [1.7.2, 1.7.3]. This raises the question: does anesthesia make you lose weight through these and other side effects?

While most people are awake shortly after surgery, it can take up to a week for the body to completely eliminate anesthetic medicines from its system [1.2.1]. The answer to **how long does anesthesia stay in your body** depends on many factors.

Nerve blocks are a common method for managing pain, especially after surgery, and can reduce the need for opioids [1.3.2, 1.8.2]. A primary concern for patients is mobility: **Will I be able to walk after a nerve block?**

With over 2 million knee arthroscopies performed worldwide each year, a primary concern for patients is recovery [1.2.3]. So, what pain medication is prescribed after arthroscopic knee surgery to ensure effective pain control and a smooth return to daily activities?

It's not unusual for patients to go two to three days after surgery without a bowel movement [1.2.2]. Anesthesia, pain medications, and reduced activity all contribute to constipation, making it vital to know what is the best laxative for inguinal hernia surgery to prevent straining and support recovery.

Facial swelling after surgery is an expected bodily response, with general anesthesia being a contributing factor [1.7.3]. Anesthetics can cause blood vessels to dilate and leak fluid into surrounding tissues, leading to temporary puffiness [1.7.3]. So, can your face swell from anesthesia? Yes, for several reasons.

Studies show that between 13% and 47% of people experience symptoms of depression after an operation [1.8.4]. The lingering effects of the drugs, combined with physical and emotional stress, raise the question: **can anesthesia put you in a bad mood** and affect your recovery?

Following hernia repair surgery, up to 13.6% of patients may experience chronic post-surgical pain four months later [1.7.1]. This makes effective pain management a critical part of recovery. If you're wondering, *Can you take meloxicam after hernia surgery?*, the answer depends on your surgeon's specific guidance and your medical history.

Patients on chronic corticosteroid therapy for at least 30 days before surgery may have wound complication rates that are two to five times higher than non-users [1.2.1, 1.4.1]. This raises a critical question for many: **Does prednisone interfere with healing after surgery?**