Postoperative Complications
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
First Postoperative Day
Primary hemorrhage during surgery: Replace blood, treat shock and consider re-exploration if necessary
- Reactionary hemorrhage: Replace blood and explore
- Respiratory infection: Treat with antibiotics, respiratory physiotherapy, bronchodilators
- Shock: Direct the treatment to the cause, e.g. myocardial infarction, fluid loss, septicemia, etc.
- Pain: Control of pain with drugs should go hand in hand with reassurance
- Treat underlying pathology whenever possible
- Low urine output: Aim for 30-50 ml/hr., assess renal status.
During the Next Few Days
- Paralytic ileus: IV fluids, nasogastric suction, correct electrolyte imbalance if present.
- Secondary hemorrhage: Control infection and replace blood.
- Wound dehiscence: If general condition is satisfactory, a secondary suture is indicated. If evisceration occurs, wound has to be closed immediately.
- Deep vein thrombosis: Always try to prevent this by early mobilization. The patient complains of pain of calf and sometimes in the thigh. Swelling and tenderness in calf muscle may be present. Bedrest, elevation of affected limb and anticoagulants are indicated. Thrombectomy if medical measures fail.
- Urinary retention: Catheterization if other measures fail
- Pyrexia: Search for focus of infection
- Wound infections: Drain pus.
Late Postoperative Complications
Adhesions, incisional hernia, B12 deficiency, etc.