ICU Step-Down Care After Major Surgery
Ensuring Safe Transition From Critical Care to Recovery
Comprehensive Surgical Care in Thane – By Dr. Ankur Bhanushali
General, Laparoscopic, Emergency & Daycare Surgery Specialist
What Is ICU Step-Down Care?
ICU Step-Down Care refers to the intermediate level of monitoring provided to patients who no longer require intensive care but still need close observation after major surgery.
It bridges the gap between ICU and general ward care.
Why Step-Down Care Is Important After Surgery
Post-operative patients may still be at risk of:
❌ Breathing problems
❌ Cardiac instability
❌ Infection
❌ Pain control issues
Step-down care ensures continued safety.
Which Patients Require ICU Step-Down Care?
✔ Major abdominal surgery patients
✔ Emergency surgery cases
✔ Elderly patients
✔ Patients with comorbidities
✔ Post-ICU stabilized patients
Not everyone moves directly to the ward.
Monitoring Provided in Step-Down Units
✔ Continuous vitals monitoring
✔ Oxygen support
✔ Pain score assessment
✔ Fluid balance monitoring
✔ Early mobilization supervision
Close observation without full ICU intensity.
Role of Multidisciplinary Team
✔ Surgeon
✔ Intensivist
✔ Anesthetist
✔ Trained nursing staff
Team-based care improves outcomes.
Infection Control in Step-Down Units
✔ Strict hand hygiene
✔ Controlled visitor policy
✔ Daily wound checks
✔ Early detection of infection
Prevention is better than treatment.
Nutrition & Mobilization Protocols
✔ Early enteral feeding
✔ Physiotherapy support
✔ DVT prevention
✔ Breathing exercises
Recovery begins early.
Criteria for Transfer to General Ward
✔ Stable vitals
✔ Adequate pain control
✔ No oxygen dependency
✔ Tolerating oral intake
Safety-based decisions.
Benefits of Step-Down Care
✔ Reduced ICU burden
✔ Lower complication rates
✔ Cost-effective care
✔ Faster recovery
Smart utilization of hospital resources.
ICU Step-Down Facilities at Aayush Multispeciality Hospital
✔ Monitored beds
✔ Trained nursing staff
✔ Emergency backup
✔ Seamless ICU-ward transition
Quality care at every stage.
Why Dr. Ankur Bhanushali Supports Structured Step-Down Care
✔ Safer recovery
✔ Reduced post-op complications
✔ Ethical patient management
✔ Continuity of care
Good surgery doesn’t end in the OT.
Aayush Multispeciality Hospital – Full Address
📍 1st Floor, Marigold Apartment, Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi, Thane West – 400602, Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Msc7YZqVkV9mQMQ7
Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic – Full Address
📍 Shop No 4, Laxmi Krupa Building, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602, Maharashtra, India
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
📍 https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmmGNbgFyhGcqfvV6
