Postsurgical Complication | Description |
Abscess/Leak (ABSCESS) | An abscess is a painful collection of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Coloanal anastomoses have the highest rates. |
Bleeding (BLEED) | Minor and major bleeding is common in anastomotic complications. Epinephrine and saline retention enemas are used to manage serious bleeding. Surgical intervention is necessary if situation is getting worse. |
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolism (PE) (DVTPE) | DVT is a condition wherein a blood clot forms in a vein of the deep system. A piece of the clot can break off and travel through the lung, which can cause heart failure, known as PE. |
Ileus (ILEUS) | Ileus is defined as bowel obstruction. For small bowel obstruction, 90-100% sensitivity can be achieved by a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis. |
Myocardial infraction (MI) | Myocardial infarction is commonly known as a heart attack. It occurs during surgery or within 30 days after surgery. |
Wound infection (INFECTION) | Wound infections commonly present around the fifth postsurgical day and 5-15% of patients have such complication after colorectal surgery. |