Post-Operative Complications Flashcards
What are some immediate complications that can occur post-op
Anaesthetic complications
- Arrhythmias
- BP - hypo or hyper
- Breathing problems
- Hyperthermia
- Tongue / teeth problems
- MI/stroke
- Allergy / drug reaction
Haemorrhage
- often not immediately obvious
- monitor drains, FBC/haematocrit, obs
What are some early post-op complications that can occur
Fluid depletion Fluid collections Electrolyte disturbance Local infection - wound Systemic infection Atelectasis DVT/PE Bed sores Anastomotic leaks Wound break down
Gastrectomy: post-op complications
Dumping syndrome Malabsorption syndrome Peptic ulcer Anastomotic ulcer Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth Abdominal fullness / gas bloating
Post-op complications in small and large bowel operations
Ileus
Anastomotic leaks (usually within 5-7 days, up to 21)
Intra-abdominal collections
Adhesions / intestinal obstruction
Damage to local structures - kidneys, ureters, bladder
Pre-sacral plexus damage
Stoma retraction
Cholecystectomy: post-op complications
CBD injury / bile leak
Biliary post-op complications
CBD/ bile leak CBD stricture Anastomotic leak Bleeding into biliary tree --> jaundice Pancreatitis
CABG / Stenting post-op complications
Reperfusion arrhythmias
Post-op ACS
Often need inotropes post-op which may reduce organ perfusion elsewhere
Vascular grafts / stents / bypass procedure post-op complications
Failure of graft Haemorrhage / haematoma Infection Re-thrombosis Limb or organ ischaemia AV fistula Cholesterol embolism Arteriopaths are high risk of - ACS, PE, stroke Contrast complications - i.e. anaphylaxis, renal injury
Thyroidectomy post-op complications
Airway obstruction 2o to haemorrhage - requires urgent opening of thyroidectomy wound
Hypocalcaemia - damage to parathyroid glands
Recurrent laryngeal nerve damage
Parotidectomy post-op complications
Facial nerve damage
Post-op complications of any orthopaedic surgery
Infection of prosthesis Loss of position / failure of fixation Non-union, malunion, delayed union Neuromuscular injury Compartment syndrome
Total hip arthroplasty post-op complications
Sciatic nerve damage Dislocation Leg length difference Loosening Wear
Post-op complications of cystoscopy / transurethral resection of prostate
High risk of UTI
TURP Syndrome - absorption of irrigation fluid –> low Na
Impotence / retrograde ejaculation
External sphincter damage –> incontinence
Urethral stricture
Post-op complication of endovascular surgery
Retroperitoneal haemorrhage
Post-op complication of lymph node dissection
Lymphoedema
