Postoperative care and analgesia in vascular surgery. Issue 5 (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bird, Rachael L.; Nesbitt, Ian
• Is Part Of: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine. Volume 17:Issue 5(2016:May)
• Page Start: 235
• Page End: 237
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: Pain relief -- postoperative care -- vascular surgery; Anesthesiology -- Periodicals; Critical care medicine -- Periodicals; Anesthesia -- Periodicals; Intensive care -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.9605
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mpaic.2016.02.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0299

Abstract

Abstract: Patients undergoing major vascular surgery are high risk for myocardial infarction, renal failure, respiratory complications and death. Invasive procedures confer greater risk of complication, with patients undergoing open aortic surgery being at highest risk. Reduction of myocardial oxygen demand is key: stabilizing cardiovascular parameters, maintaining normothermia, adequate volume resuscitation and effective analgesia. Continuation of preoperative risk reduction strategies including aspirin, β-blockers and statin therapies are critical, and should be continued in the postoperative period. Maintaining a high index of suspicion for procedure-specific complications is essential in order to reduce morbidity and mortality in these patients.