The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word POST-OP
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
P
O
S
T
-
O
P
More clues leading to the result POST-OP
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "after surgery" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case after surgery = post-op.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does POST-OP mean?
POST-OP noun- A postoperative patient or procedure.
- A postoperative trans man or trans woman.
- Happening after an operation.
- Having been operated on.