Management of common surgical complications. Issue 4 (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Glaysher, Michael A.; Cresswell, Adrian Ben
• Is Part Of: Surgery. Volume 35:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 190
• Page End: 194
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: Haemorrhage -- pain -- patient safety -- surgical complications -- surgical site infection -- venous thromboembolism; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Periodicals; Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Thérapeutique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 617
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mpsur.2017.01.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-9319

Abstract

Abstract: Postoperative complications represent a potentially avoidable cause of morbidity and mortality. The incidence rate of major complications following inpatient surgical procedures has been reported as up to 22% with a mortality of up to 0.8%. It is estimated that 187–281 million surgical procedures are performed globally each year, suggesting that annually, at least 7 million patients will suffer serious complications as a consequence of surgery and that 1 million patients may die as a result. Meticulous preoperative assessment and planning is essential and allows for the delivery of preventative measures throughout the perioperative period. The importance of recognizing complications early, when they do arise, is essential and allows for the timely provision of appropriate and targeted therapies. This article describes common surgical complications and suggests management strategies that can be instituted throughout the surgical care pathway in order to reduce complication rates and decrease unnecessary morbidity and mortality.