1- Complications of soft tissue surgery

Question 1

What does dehiscence mean?

Answer 1

Breakdown of a wound

Question 2

What are the 2 common organs that are considered most likely to breakdown during the first 72-96 hours

Answer 2

Intestine & Urinary bladder

Question 3

During the lag phase (first 72-96 hours) after surgery, where does all the strength & support of the wound come from?

Answer 3

Sutures

Question 4

Name 3 important things to check at the end of an op

Answer 4

Integrity of repair
Bleeding
Count swabs
Lavage/suction - remove any contamination

Question 5

Name 3 clinical signs of an animal developing a wound infection/peritonitis

Answer 5

Dull, Lethargic, Anorexic, Inappetent, vomiting, diarrhoea, Large abdomen, painful on palpation, Pyrexia, ^HR, ^R

Question 6

What are the 3 diagnostic processes done on suspicion of wound infection/peritonitis/uroabdomen?

Answer 6

Radiograph, abdominal US, Abdominal tap

Question 7

What is a peritoneal lavage?

Answer 7

sterile cleansing of the peritoneum
Flushing abdomen with sterile saline - to dilute contamination

Question 8

Which layer is critical in the linea alba?

Answer 8

External rectus sheath

Question 9

What is the linea alba

Answer 9

thin band of connective tissue that runs down the front of the abdomen

Question 10

What suture pattern is preferable when closing the linea alba and why (what know to use)

Answer 10

Continuous suture pattern
even distribution of tension along length of closure
less suture material= less foreign material
Aberdeen knot

Question 11

Give 3 common complications of bowel/ bladder surgery

Answer 11

wound infection
peritonitis
uroabdomen