Post-Op Complications Flashcards
1
Q
What are the immediate complications post-op?
A
- Oropharyngeal trauma (intubation)
- Surgical trauma to local structures
- Haemorrhage
2
Q
What complications occur within a day to month?
A
- Secondary haemorrhage
- VTE
- Urinary retention and ileus
- Infection (wound and pneumonia etc.)
- Wound dehiscence
- PONV
- Confuison
3
Q
What complications occur long term?
A
- Scarring and adhesions
- Neuropathy
- Failure pf procedure/recurrence
4
Q
What are the types of haemorrhage?
A
- Primary - Continuous bleed, started during surgery
- Secondary - 24hrs+ later, usually due to infection
- Reactive - Within 24 hrs
5
Q
What causes post-op urinary retention?
A
- Drugs: Opioids, epidural/spinal, anti-ACh
- Pain (sympathetic activation causes sphincter contraction)
- Psychogenic (hospital environment)
6
Q
How is retention treated?
A
- Catheterise
- Fluid assessment
7
Q
What if TWOC fails?
A
Send Pt home with long term catheter and follow up in urology
8
Q
Why does atelectasis occur with GAs?
A
Increased mucous production, decreased ciliary clearance, can’t cough
9
Q
What organisms usually cause wound infection?
A
Staph aureus and coliforms
10
Q
What predisposes to wound dehiscence?
A
- Infection
- Shape of the wound
- Diabetes and malnutrition
- Drugs e.g. steroids
11
Q
How is wound dehiscence treated?
A
- Replace abdo contents and sterile soaked gauze
- Ceftriaxone and metronidazole
- Opioid analgesia
