Specific Post-operative Complications

Question 1

What are the severe post-laparotomy complications and how are they managed?

Answer 1

1. Wound break down (pink discharge) - call senior and get back to theatre
2. Incisional hernia common - repair with mesh insertion

Question 2

What are the severe post-thyroid surgery complications and how are they managed?

Answer 2

1. Recurrent (+/- superior) laryngeal nerve palsy - hoarse voice
2. Tracheal obstruction due to haematoma in wound - immediate removal of stitches/clips at bedside
3. Thyroid storm, hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism/recurrent hyperthyroidism.

Question 3

What is the main severe complication of mastectomy?

Answer 3

Arm lymphoedema

Question 4

What are the severe complications of arterial surgery?

Answer 4

1. Bleeding, thrombosis, embolism, MI, AV fistula formation.

2. Aortic surgery - gut ischaemia, renal failure, trauma to ureters or anterior spinal artery = paraplegia

Question 5

What are the severe complications of colonic surgery?

Answer 5

Sepsis, ileus, fistulae, anastomotic leak, trauma to ureters or spleen.

Question 6

What is the severe complication in small bowel surgery?

Answer 6

Small gut syndrome - vitamin malabsorption, diarrhoea, renal stones, gallstones.