This document discusses the management of postoperative complications from surgery. It notes that complications can be general, like fever or infection, or specific to the type of surgery. The likelihood of complications depends on factors like the patient's health and type/extent of surgery. Common complications include cardiovascular issues, infections, delirium, DVT, and more. Prevention involves early mobilization, breathing exercises, nutrition, and wound care. Post-operative management includes pain control, wound monitoring, vital sign checking, mobilization encouragement, and communication with the patient. Depending on the complication, interventions may include antibiotics, medications, blood transfusions, or re-suturing. Close monitoring is important to detect complications early.

1. Name – Iram Anwar
Enrollment No. -A1106616028
BPT -Semester 8
Section B
MANAGEMENT OF POST-OPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS OF SURGERY
Postoperative complications may either be general or specific to the type
of surgery undertaken and should be managed with the patient's history in mind. Common
general postoperative complications include postoperative fever, atelectasis, wound infection,
embolism and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The occurrence of post-operative complications is
dependent on several factors including the type and extent of surgery performed, the patient's
pre-existing conditions and pre-surgical health status, and whether the procedure was done on an
in-patient or outpatient basis, among many others. Some of the most common post-surgical and
anaesthetic-related complications are as follows:
1. Cardiovascular complications (such as dysrhythmias, infarction, and ischemic injury)
2. Abscess formation
3. Acute confusion or delirium
4. Allergic reactions
5. Basal atelectasis or lung collapse/malfunction
6. Bowel obstruction (often due to fibrous adhesions) or reduced bowel function
7. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism
8. Disordered wound healing (due to adverse complications)
9. Hematoma or bruising
10. Low urine output and inadequate replacement of body fluids
11. Nausea and vomiting
12. Pneumonia
13. fever
14. Pressure sores
15. Haemorrhage
16. Surgical injury due to unavoidable tissue damage, such as to nearby nerves
17. Wound infections due to rupture of surgical incision
MANAGEMENT
Prevention of complications
• Encourage early mobilization
• Deep breathing and coughing

2. • Active daily exercise
• Joint range of motion
• Muscular strengthening
• Make walking aids such as canes, crutches and walkers available and provide instructions
for their use
• Ensure adequate nutrition
• Prevent skin breakdown and pressure sores
• Turn the patient frequently
• Keep urine and faeces off skin
• Provide adequate pain control
Post-operation complication management can be categorised into immediate and late post-
operative management period.
In an immediate post-surgical management, the following procedures are usually done right after
surgery:
1. Pain management - Adequate pain control is provided and may include the administration
of oral or intravenous pain medications, sedatives, antibiotics, anticoagulants, and
antiemetic.
2. Wound care - Incisions and dressing are constantly monitored for signs of infection.
3. Monitoring - Patients are regularly monitored for blood pressure and pulse. Fluid intake
and release are also monitored, along with haematological values and serum electrolytes
for proper fluid replacement. Respiratory status is also frequently assessed, as well as
body temperature. The medical staff also watches out for bowel movement, leg oedema,
abnormal redness, and pain (DVT).
4. Mobilisation - Early mobilisation is always encouraged post-operation. Patients are
advised to perform permissible exercises and movement, deep breathing, muscular
strengthening, and use of walking aids, when applicable.
5. Communication - Patients are regularly updated with their health condition and progress
and constantly reassured of post-operative care.
Depending on the onset and the type of complication that occurs in the patient, certain
interventions may be performed. A. For instance, pneumonia is treated using antibiotics and
physiotherapy
B. Cardiovascular problems are managed using medications or additional surgical procedures.

3. C. Haemorrhage is managed through blood transfusion
D. Wound infection through topical or oral antibiotics, and
E. Wound dehiscence through analgesics or re-suturing.
Close monitoring is very important to ensure that all complications are detected early so they can
be properly and promptly addressed.