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