Post-Surgery Dizziness: Causes After Abdominal Surgery

Postoperative dizziness after abdominal surgery?

On February 18, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in an abdominal injury, leading to surgery to remove part of my pancreas.
I was transferred from the intensive care unit to a general ward on the fourth day post-surgery and was discharged on March 6.
During my stay in the general ward, I mostly rested by sitting or lying in bed, walking approximately 20 to 30 minutes each day.
When I completed the discharge procedures, I did not experience any dizziness, but after getting into the car post-discharge, I began to feel dizzy.
Today marks the ninth day since the accident, and although I have walked slightly longer distances, my condition has not improved.
I have also consulted my doctor during follow-up visits, but there has been no significant effect.
I would like to know what potential issues this could indicate.

Ga, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/03/14

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, based on your description of dizziness, we first need to rule out any initial head injuries.
If you experience persistent headaches or vomiting, a brain examination may be necessary.
If these are not present, it is highly likely that the dizziness is due to decreased cardiovascular circulation function caused by the injury.
This condition requires gradual rehabilitation and exercise to restore cardiopulmonary function.
If the above two conditions are ruled out, you may need to consult a neurologist or an otolaryngologist for a detailed evaluation of your dizziness.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2023/03/14

More Info

Post-surgery dizziness can be a concerning symptom, especially after undergoing significant abdominal surgery such as a partial pancreatectomy. There are several potential causes for dizziness following surgery, and understanding these can help in managing your symptoms effectively.

1. Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: After surgery, especially if you have been on IV fluids in the hospital, transitioning back to oral intake can sometimes lead to dehydration if fluid intake is not sufficient. Dehydration can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue. Additionally, surgery can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in your body, which is crucial for maintaining normal bodily functions, including nerve and muscle function.

2. Postoperative Fatigue: It is common to experience fatigue after surgery due to the physical stress of the procedure and the body's energy being directed towards healing. This fatigue can sometimes manifest as dizziness, especially when you attempt to engage in physical activity after a period of rest.

3. Medication Side Effects: If you were prescribed pain medications or sedatives post-surgery, these can have side effects that include dizziness or lightheadedness. Opioids, in particular, can cause sedation and affect your balance.

4. Orthostatic Hypotension: This condition occurs when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up or changing positions, which can lead to dizziness. After surgery, your body may take time to adjust to changes in posture, especially if you have been mostly lying down.

5. Anemia: Blood loss during surgery or inadequate iron intake post-surgery can lead to anemia, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness. It’s important to monitor your hemoglobin levels, especially if you feel unusually weak or fatigued.

6. Vestibular Dysfunction: Sometimes, the stress of surgery can affect the vestibular system, which helps control balance. This can lead to feelings of dizziness or imbalance.

7. Psychological Factors: Anxiety and stress related to surgery and recovery can also manifest as physical symptoms, including dizziness. It’s not uncommon for patients to experience anxiety after a significant medical event.

Given that you have been experiencing dizziness for nine days post-surgery, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may want to perform a physical examination, check your blood pressure in different positions, assess your hydration status, and possibly conduct blood tests to check for anemia or electrolyte imbalances.
In the meantime, ensure you are staying well-hydrated and consider keeping a log of your symptoms, noting when they occur and any activities that seem to exacerbate them. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider in determining the underlying cause of your dizziness.

If your dizziness worsens, or if you experience additional concerning symptoms such as severe headaches, visual disturbances, or fainting, seek medical attention promptly. Recovery from surgery can be complex, and it’s essential to address any new or persistent symptoms with your healthcare team to ensure a smooth recovery.

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