Postoperative complications Flashcards
what are the main cardiovascular postoperative complications?
haemorrhage, MI and DVT
what are the two types of haemorrhage
reactionary (immediate postoperative, this is more common )
secondary (due toinfection)
symptoms of haemorrhage?
Tachycardia, hypotension and oliguria
need to be aware of ____ ____ in haemorrhage e.g. jaundiced patients
coagulation disorders
what are the risk factors of having an MI postoperatively ?
severe angina, previous MI
how does MI present postoperatively
the actual event is often silent so often present with cardiac failure/ cardiogenic shock or arrhythmias
how is postoperative MI prevented? 3
dont do the surgery !
avoid hypotension
correct the IHD first! - but usually through cabg because stenting requires antiplatelets which could increase risk of haemorrhage
how does postoperative DVT present?
Low grade fever (5-14 days)
Unilateral ankle swelling
Pitting oedema
Calf or thigh tenderness
Increased leg diameter
Shiny skin - because stretched
how is DVT investigated?
D-dimer (if normal can rule out DVT)
doppler ultrasound
venography
how is DVT prevented?
compression stockings
low dose subcutaneous heparin
early mobilisation
how do compression stockings work?
Compress the external veins so encourages blood flow to the deep veins of the leg and reduces risk of DVT
what are the main respiratory postoperative complications?
atelactasis/ aspiration
chest infection
PE
why may people aspirate ? 3
anaesthesia causes increased secretion, inhibits cilia and so you get mucus plugs which are not able to clear properly
post operative pain - prevents cough
vomiting after surgery
what is the presentation of chest infection?
Low grade fever (0-2 days) - almost always due to mild chest infection
High grade fever (4-10 days)
Dyspnoea
Productive cough
Confusion - because of hypoxia
how is chest infection prevented in people with pre-existing lung disease
physiotherapy