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Common Complications in Surgery
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Hypothermia
May happen due to prolonged exposure and anesthesia effects. Addressed with warming devices and temperature monitoring.
Urinary retention
Occurs due to effects of anesthesia or pain medications. Managed with bladder catheterization and monitoring of input and output.
Infection
Reasons it may occur include contamination during surgery or poor sterilization. It's addressed through antibiotics and surgical drainage if needed.
Delirium
Causes include anesthesia, pain, medications, or patient’s pre-existing condition. Management involves orientation strategies and minimizing risk factors.
Hematoma
Occurs from accumulation of blood within tissues. Small hematomas may resolve spontaneously; large ones might require drainage.
Anastomotic stricture
Occurs due to scar formation at anastomosis site. Managed with endoscopic dilation or revision surgery.
Blood clots
Can occur due to immobility or clotting disorders. Prevention includes anticoagulants and early mobilization.
DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
Risk factors include immobility and hypercoagulability. Prevented with compression stockings and anticoagulants, treated with blood thinners.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia
Occurs due to prolonged mechanical ventilation. Prevented with good pulmonary hygiene and minimizing ventilation time.
Cognitive dysfunction
Risk factors include age and pre-existing cognitive impairment. Addressed with minimizing sedation and providing cognitive support.
Septic shock
Caused by severe infection leading to systemic response. Managed with antibiotics, fluids, and vasopressors as necessary.
Thyroid storm
A hypermetabolic state caused by excess thyroid hormones, potentially triggered by surgery. Treated with antithyroid drugs, beta-blockers, and supportive care.
Postoperative ileus
Caused by lack of movement in the intestines after surgery. Managed with gradual dietary advancement and medications to promote motility.
Organ dysfunction
Results from pre-existing conditions or surgical stress. Managed based on the specific organ affected, often requiring specialized care.
Electrolyte imbalances
Caused by fluid loss, diuretics, or renal dysfunction. Managed with fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy.
Iatrogenic injury
Injury caused by medical intervention or surgical procedure. Addressed by immediate recognition and repair, or postoperative management depending on the injury.
Wound infection
Can be due to bacterial contamination. Treated with antibiotics, debridement, and sometimes, vacuum-assisted closure.
Pneumothorax
Can happen due to lung injury. Addressed with chest tube placement or careful observation depending on the size.
Aspiration Pneumonia
Caused by inhalation of gastric contents. Prevented by aspiration precautions and treated with antibiotics and supportive care.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
May ensue post surgery due to sepsis or aspiration. Managed with mechanical ventilation and addressing the underlying cause.
Rhabdomyolysis
Can be due to muscle trauma or prolonged immobility. Managed with aggressive hydration and addressing the underlying cause.
Nutritional deficiencies
Can be caused by prolonged fasting or malabsorption. Managed with nutritional supplements and enteral or parenteral feeding.
Seroma
Caused by accumulation of serous fluid under the skin. Managed with aspiration and compression garments or drains.
Fistula formation
Can develop due to improper healing or infection. Addressed by surgical repair or conservative management with nutrition and skin care.
Nerve injury
May result from direct trauma or stretching during surgery. Prevention includes careful surgical technique, and management may require physical therapy or surgical repair.
Incisional hernia
Occurs when the wound doesn't heal properly, leading to a bulge. Managed with surgical repair once the patient is stabilized.
Cardiac complications
Causes may be pre-existing heart conditions or stress from surgery. Management includes cardiac monitoring and medications.
Bleeding
May occur due to intraoperative injuries or blood disorders. Addressed by cautery, sutures, or transfusions.
Osteomyelitis
Infection of bone possibly due to surgery or hardware placement. Treated with long-term antibiotics or surgical debridement.
Allergic reactions
May be due to latex or medication used in surgery. Addressed with avoidance of known allergens and treatment with antihistamines or steroids.
Anastomotic leak
Occurs due to failed healing at a surgical join. Addressed by reoperation or percutaneous drainage.
Adverse drug reactions
May occur due to allergies or dosing errors. Prevented by allergy checks and treated with appropriate medication.
Sepsis
Triggered by infection and possibly after surgery. Addressed with IV antibiotics and supportive care, following sepsis protocols.
Myocardial Infarction
Occurs due to stress or a thromboembolic event. Managed with cardiology involvement, medications, and possible interventions.
Surgical site dehiscence
Results from insufficient wound healing or suture failure. Treated with wound care and possible re-suturing.
Adrenal insufficiency
Can occur in patients with pre-existing adrenal conditions or as a result of steroid use. Managed with stress dose steroids and careful monitoring.
Pulmonary complications
Reasons include and not limited to atelectasis, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism. Managed with respiratory therapy and medications as needed.
Graft rejection
Occurs due to immune response against transplanted tissue. Managed with immunosuppressants and monitoring for signs of rejection.
Anesthesia complications
Caused by drug reactions or underlying medical conditions. Addressed by careful patient monitoring and emergency resuscitation measures.
Acute kidney injury
Can occur due to hypoperfusion or nephrotoxic agents. Managed with fluid management and avoidance of nephrotoxins.
Pressure ulcers
Result from prolonged pressure during surgery. Prevented by repositioning and pressure-relieving devices, and treated with wound care.
Malignant Hyperthermia
Rare reaction to anesthesia agents. Treated with dantrolene, cooling measures, and supportive therapy.
Drug-induced hepatotoxicity
Liver injury caused by medication used perioperatively. Managed by discontinuing the offending drug and providing support for liver function.
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