Post-operative complications generally result in increased suffering, longer hospital stay and even death in extreme cases. The types of post-operative complications depend on the type of surgery, risk factors associated with the patient and perioperative management. This article outlines a range of commonly observed post-operative complications. Postoperative complications can either be general or specific to the type of surgery performed and should be managed considering the patient's history.
The chance of occurrence of any postoperative complications is highest between one and three days after the surgery. However, they can be broadly categorized as immediate, early and late. The immediate complications include hemorrhage, minor lung collapse, shock, and lower urine output. The early complications involve pain, nausea and vomiting, fever, wound infections, pressure sores, deep vein…
