What is the purpose of abdominal binders post-surgery?

The purpose of abdominal binders post-surgery is primarily to provide support to the abdominal incision and reduce pain. After abdominal surgery, patients often experience weakness and discomfort in the abdominal area due to surgical trauma and manipulation of the tissues. An abdominal binder can help stabilize the abdominal wall, offering support that allows for more comfortable movement and reduces strain on the incision site. This support can also contribute to decreased pain perception by limiting movement that could exacerbate pain at the surgical site, thus enhancing the overall comfort of the patient during the recovery period.

In the context of the other options, while improving patient mobility is important and abdominal binders may indirectly assist in this by making movement less painful, that isn't their primary function. Promoting intestinal motility is essential after surgery, but binders do not directly influence peristalsis or bowel activity. Similarly, although there may be some influence on respiratory function due to abdominal pressure, the main function of an abdominal binder is not respiratory support but rather the stabilization of the abdominal structure and alleviation of pain.