Perception of discomfort by patients immediately after gastrointestinal surgery: A qualitative study

Data regarding the postoperative recovery experience are limited. Perioperative clinicians focus on improving patients' postoperative discomfort. However, the types of postoperative discomfort experienced by patients are unclear. This descriptive, qualitative study explored the perception of discomfort in 12 postoperative patients by conducting semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive content analysis. Data analysis revealed two themes 'physical sensation' and 'psychological feelings' and six categories, 'restrictions imposed after surgery', 'symptoms related to surgery and anaesthesia', 'indescribable physical discomfort', helplessness towards oneself', 'lack of privacy' and 'noisy medical environment'. Healthcare workers should consider psychological and physical factors to improve postoperative discomfort, particularly focusing on identifying the cause of discomfort and alleviating psychological and physical discomfort.