Physiological and biochemical derangements following surgery

Question 1

Arrhythmias following cardiac surgery

Answer 1

Susceptibility to hypokalaemia

Question 2

Neurosurgical electrolyte disturbance

Answer 2

SIADH following cranial surgery causing hyponatraemia

Question 3

Ileus following gastrointestinal surgery

Answer 3

Fluid sequestration and loss of electrolytes

Question 4

Pulmonary oedema following pneumonectomy

Answer 4

Loss of lung volume makes these patients very sensitive to fluid overload

Question 5

Anastamotic leak

Answer 5

Generalised sepsis causing mediastinitis or peritonitis depending on site of leak

Question 6

Myocardial infarct

Answer 6

May follow any type of surgery and, in addition to direct cardiac effects, the decreased cardiac output may well compromise grafts