Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery: Managing Rib Pain and Wound Care Concerns

Q: Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery: Managing Rib Pain and Wound Care Concerns

Hello： Post-operative wound pain may persist for a period of time, and the duration varies from person to person. <br>If the pain is severe, you may ask your physician to prescribe pain relief medication for backup. <br>For larger wounds, if the adhesive bandage is exuding fluid,

Post-operative pain in the rib area and wound issues after pneumothorax surgery?

I underwent a thoracoscopic partial resection of the right upper lobe and pleural adhesion surgery for pneumothorax on June 16 of this year.
Recently, I have been experiencing pain in the area of my right lower rib for over a week.
Is this normal? Additionally, I have been coughing frequently since my discharge; will this subside as my lungs heal?
I also have a question about the three incisions from the thoracoscopy.
The doctor only applied 3M adhesive tape to the incision where the tube was inserted, while the other two incisions were left uncovered.
Is there a need to cover those two incisions? Will they become raised if left uncovered (I do not have a history of keloids)? Furthermore, besides using the adhesive tape, can I apply a hydrophilic dressing to prevent scarring?
Currently, the incision with the tube feels moist, and after applying the adhesive tape, it seems to get dirty the next day (the area around the incision is red).
Should I place a waterproof bandage over the adhesive tape? The doctor did not provide specific instructions, so I have been showering normally and allowing it to dry naturally.
Will this have any impact on the healing of the wound?

Lin Xiao-Zhen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/03

Dr. Yang Wenda reply Pulmonology

Hello: Post-operative wound pain may persist for a period of time, and the duration varies from person to person.
If the pain is severe, you may ask your physician to prescribe pain relief medication for backup.
For larger wounds, if the adhesive bandage is exuding fluid, replace it with a new one.
If the seal is not adequate, it is still recommended to avoid water exposure or to cover it with a waterproof dressing during bathing.
If there is no fluid exudation from the wound for two hours, there is no need to reapply the adhesive bandage.
For wound care, you can consult your surgeon again! As for the cough, it is less related to the surgery and the wound; it is still advisable to treat it as bronchitis and use symptomatic control medications, which may also help alleviate wound pain!

Reply Date: 2017/07/03

More Info

Post-thoracoscopic surgery, particularly after procedures like partial lung resection and pleural adhesion, can lead to a variety of symptoms, including rib pain and concerns about wound care. It is not uncommon to experience pain in the rib area following such surgeries, especially within the first few weeks post-operation. This pain can be attributed to several factors, including the trauma to the chest wall during surgery, inflammation, and the healing process of the tissues involved.
In your case, experiencing pain in the right lower rib area more than a week after surgery is generally considered normal, especially if it is mild to moderate. However, if the pain is severe or worsening, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider to rule out any complications such as infection or issues related to the surgical site.

Regarding your persistent cough, it is also common to experience coughing after lung surgery. This can be due to several reasons, including irritation of the airways, residual fluid in the lungs, or the body’s natural response to clear out any secretions. As your lung heals, this cough should gradually improve. However, if it persists or worsens, it would be wise to follow up with your physician to ensure there are no underlying issues.

As for your wound care concerns, it is crucial to follow your surgeon's recommendations regarding the management of your surgical sites. The use of 3M adhesive strips is often sufficient for small incisions, but if you have concerns about the other two wounds, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider. They may recommend additional protective measures, such as hydrocolloid dressings, which can help minimize scarring and provide a moist healing environment.

It is important to keep the surgical sites clean and dry. If the area feels dirty or if there is any discharge, it is advisable to consult your surgeon. Using waterproof dressings over the adhesive strips during showers can help keep the area dry and prevent infection. However, ensure that you do not trap moisture underneath the dressing, as this can lead to skin irritation or infection.

In terms of scarring, while hydrocolloid dressings can help, the healing process varies from person to person. If you are concerned about hypertrophic scars or keloids, especially since you mentioned you do not have a history of keloid formation, it may be beneficial to discuss preventive measures with your doctor. They might suggest silicone gel sheets or other topical treatments that can help minimize scarring.

In summary, while some pain and discomfort following thoracoscopic surgery are normal, persistent or severe symptoms warrant further evaluation. Proper wound care is essential for optimal healing, and any concerns about your recovery should be addressed with your healthcare provider to ensure you receive the best possible care. Always prioritize communication with your medical team regarding any changes in your symptoms or concerns about your recovery process.

Similar Q&A

Post-Rib Surgery Complications: Managing Pain and Breathing Issues

Hello, doctor. I recently had a titanium alloy plate removed from my rib. It has been almost three months since the removal, and during this time, I have experienced severe phlegm in my throat. I have consulted with both pulmonology and otolaryngology, and they indicated that thi...

Dr. Zhou Ziguang reply Pulmonology
Hello: You can visit the thoracic surgery department at a general hospital or return to the hospital where the surgery was performed for further evaluation and treatment by a physician.

Understanding Rib Fractures: Recovery and Post-Surgery Concerns

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my condition. Approximately a month and a half ago, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in fractures of my left ribs 4 to 8. I was taken to the hospital for surgery, where they used the latest titanium alloy rib fixation techniq...

Dr. Chen Bochen reply Orthopedics
1. The ribs are located closer to the skin, and it is common to experience a tight sensation after surgery, which should gradually improve over time. 2. Numbness and soreness extending from the lower back to the thighs are generally unrelated to rib surgery. The most common cau...

Post-Surgery Rib Pain: Seeking Relief and Rehabilitation Options

Hello, doctor. I had surgery to place a stent in my left chest rib, and it has been a year since the operation on June 30 of last year. After the surgery, I did not undergo any rehabilitation and have not been active with my arm. However, after receiving the second dose of the BN...

Dr. Lin Ruixiang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, your condition is quite complex. Regarding the localized pain in your wound, the first step is to rule out infection or loosening of the implant. If infection or loosening of the implant is excluded, this pain, which is disproportionate to the extent of the injury, should ...

Understanding Post-Thoracoscopic Surgery Nerve Pain: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you about an issue I have been experiencing. About two weeks ago, I underwent a wedge resection for a pulmonary nodule (0.3 cm). Starting from the fifth day post-surgery, I began to experience neuropathic pain in the area from my left lower back ...

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Pulmonology
Dear Ivy: It is true that there can be neuropathic pain after thoracoscopic surgery, primarily because there are nerve distributions between the ribs. Since thoracoscopy is performed through the intercostal space, it is unavoidable that there may be some impact. The duration of p...