Complications of surgery Flashcards
what are the cardio complications
haemorrhage, MI, DVT
what are the types of haemorrhage complications
reactionary (immediate postoperative)
secondary (infection 5-6 days)
how does a haemorrhage present
obvious
- tachycardia
- hypotension
- oliguria
how can haemorrhage be avoided
meticulous technique, avoidance of sepsis, correction of coagulation disorders
what is the mortality of post op MI
50%
how do post op MIs usually present
often silent,
cardiac failure/ cardiogenic shock,
arrythmias
how is MI avoided
delay of surgery after MI,
avoidance of perioperative hypotension,
correction of ischaemic heart disease
what cause a DVT in surgery
immobility, hypercoagulable states
does malignancy increase your risk of DVT
yes
how does DVT present
low grade fever, unilateral ankle swelling, calf or thigh tenderness, increased leg diameter, shiny leg
how are DVT investigated
D dimer test, doppler ultrasound, venography
how are DVTs prevented
compression stockings, lose dose subcutaneous heparin, early mobilisation
what are the resp complications
atelectasis (partial or complete collaspe of the lung due to deflation of the alveoli)
pneumonia
pulmonary embolus
how are atelectasis and pneumonia linked
collapse of lung tissue can lead to infection
what causes infection post op
anaesthesia- increases secretion, inhibits cilia
post op pain- inhibits coughing
aspiration- stomach contents
how does a chest infection present
low grade fever (0-2 days), high grade fever (4-10),
dyspnoea
productive cough
confusion
how do you prevent chest infestions
stopping smoking,
adequate analgesia,
physiotherapy
what causes a post op PE
DVT