Post Operative Complications Flashcards
What are the 3 types of complications?
Immediate/intra op/peri op
Immediate post op/short term post op
Long term post op
What are the 2 types of complications (easier)?
peri-operative
post-operative
Where are some post operative complications?
pain
Swelling
Ecchymosis (bruising)
Trismus
Haemorrhage
Prolonged effects of nerve damage
Dry socket
Sequestrum
Infected socket
Chronic OAF or root in antrum
What is the most common post op complication?
Pain as forces that disrupt the pdl leads to pain
What advice do we give in regards to pain?
we must let pt know that they may experience some pain and this is completely normal and not to worry!
then give advice on analgesics - take within 1-2 hours of leaving before la wears off
What can increase post op pain?
if tissues are handled more roughly
if there is lacerations or tearing of soft tissues
exposed bone
incomplete extraction
What is oedema a reaction to?
inflammatory reaction to surgical interference
What is oedema increased by?
poor surgical technique
What poor surgical techniques can increase risk fo oedema?
rough handling of soft tissues
crushing lips with forceps
When will swelling post operatively develop?
over 48 hours - if its on day 2/3 then this is a sign of infection
What advice do we have for pts with swellings post op?
Cold pack - on for 5 off for 5 for 1-2 hours
sleeping propped up
What do we tell pt in regards to swelling?
You may or may not swell up - it is different with every pt but if you do notice swelling dont panic - if it comes up over the next 48 hours and goes away after a week this is normal however if swelling just starts on day 2-3 then you can contact me
What is ecchymosis?
Bruising
What pts may bruise more freq post op?
pts who already bruise easily
What can increase freq of bruising post operatively?
rough handling of tissues
poor surgical technique
leaning on pts lip
What is trismus?
LIMITED MOUTH OPENING DUE TO MUSCLE SPASM
How can we describe trismus to pts?
this is where your jaw may be a bit stiff to open close and can last for 1-2 weeks but make sure to still eat and drink as normal however if very limited or if unable to eat then come see me
What can cause limited mouth opening?
Swelling from surgery
Muscle spasm –> trismus
Bleed in the muscle
bleed into master causing muscle to spasm and mouth unable to open
the injection needle going though MEDIAL PTERYGOID and a bleed causing hameatoma or muscle to spasm
What muscle can the inject for idb go through?
Medical ptyergoid and haematoma can form or muscle can spasm causing limited mouth opening
When do we refer in limited mouth opening?
If no improvement in 1-2 weeks
How do we let pt know they may experience some limited mouth opening?
Because you will have your mouth open for a while and we are leaning on your lower jaw you may have some limited mouth opening which will settle after a week or two however if its really bothers you then come back and see me or give me a phone
How can we increase mouth opening?
gentle mouth opening exercises
wooden spatula
trismus screw
What can a haemorrhage be? (3)
Intra operative
immediately post op
secondary bleed
How do we manage intra-operative haemorrhages?
pressure
surgicel - cellulose oxidise which provides framework for clot to form
What is an immediate post op bleed?
this is a reactionary/rebound bleed that occurs within 48 hours of extraction
What can cause immediate post op bleeds?
wearing off of LA opening up vessels again
sutures coming loose
pt traumatising area with tongue/finger/food/toothbrush
What is a secondary bleeding often due to?
infection and commonly lasts 3-7 days
usually a mild ooze but can be a major bleed
What is common to see in terms of secondary bleeds?
mild bleed
spotting
mild ooze
What vessels can be damaged in extractions?
veins
arteries
arterioles
vessels in muscle
vessels in bone
How do we manage bleeding vessels?
Pressure - bite on damage gauze
sutures if needed
LA with adrenaline
Diathermy to cauterise vessels causing protein precipitation which forms a protein plug
artery clips for bigger vessles
How do we manage bone bleeds?Q
Apply pressure with swab
la onto swab or inject into socket
haemostats agents such as surgicel or kalsostat
blunt instrument to apply bone wax
If bleeding is severe what must we do?
Apple pressure immediately to arrest the bleed
Calm the pt - separate ethem for their relatives
If pt comes back to surgery with post op bleed what do we do?
- immediate pressure
- Calm the pt - measure them
- clean up pt - any blood soaked towels
- take a through but quick history (I just want to double check ur med history)
- lift out jelly like clot and clean up area and then apply pressure
CLEAN –> PRESSURE –> FIND BLEEDING SOURCE
What do we do with jelly like clots?
Remove clot as its an unsuccessful attempt at forming a clot
What bleeding disorders must we rule out?
Haemophillia
VWBs
liver disease
What do we do if despite all efforts we can’t get bleeding to stop?
call a&e or local max fax dept or oral surgery department however if worried phone 999
Describe the steps of management if pt comes in with post op bleeding
Look inside mouth with good light and suciton
will often see jelly like clot which we remove
pt may vomit if swallowing blood
identify bleeding source
use haemostatic agent - surgicel or kalsistat
What must we do after management of secondary bleed?
Give pt point of contact to call if bleeding resumes (if bleeds again tonight her is a number to phone me but if its significant then this is nearest a&e)
review the pt
if pt has lost large volume of blood and is elderly or has med problems then consider hospital admission
If we can’t arrest the haemorrhage what do we do?
Phone hospital and speak to someone and find out where pt is to go and who we are speaking to - write this down in notes
What are some examples of haemostatic agents?
LA containing adrenaline
surgicel - oxidised cellulose
gelatine sponge
thrombin liquid and powder
What must we take care with when using oxidised cellulose?
In lower 8 region as its acidic and can damage IDN
Post extraction should the pt rinse out?
NO! - avoid rinsing out, exercise, hot and hard foots to avoid disrupting clot
What are some systemic haemostatic aids?
vitamin K
Ani fibrinolytic
plasma or whole blood
What is vitamin k used for?
Vitamin K is vitally important to blood clotting because the proteins that create the fibrin webbing in the second part of the clotting process depend on this vitamin. Vitamin K is needed for the clotting proteins to be activated and start the final part of the clotting process.
What is an example of an anti-fibrinolytic?
tranexamic acid
What does tranexamic acid do?
Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic that competitively inhibits the activation of plasminogen to plasmin
prevents clot being broken down and stabilises the clot
can be taken as tablets or mouthwash
How do we prevent intra op and post op bleeding?
take thorough history so we can anticipate and deal within potential problems
provide good instructions to pt post tx
obtain and check for good haemostats before they leave
What are some post op extraction instructions?
No exercise
Try avoid alcohol - can affect the healing
Dont rinse out for at least a few hours - 1 day and avoid any vigorous rinsing as this can disrupt the clot
avoid hot food - burn risk when numb
Avoid trauma - dont poke about clot with finger, toothbrush
If bleeding then dampen gauze and bite on it for at least 30 mins
How long do we monitor nerve damage for?
few days to a week to rule out infection and if not settling then can refer pt
What is anaesthesia?
Numbness