Post-Operative Complications

This case demonstrated opiate toxicity. This complication is seen very quickly after surgery.

Other complications may present at different times and can be classified based on their time of onset.

Immediadiate complications occur within the first 24 hours post-op.

Early complications arise within 30 days of the operation.

Late/long term complications occur after 30 days or post-discharge.

Onset Complications
Immediate
  • Iatrogenic (e.g. nerve injury)
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
  • Haemorrhage
  • Pyrexia
  • Delirium
Early
  • Surgical Site Infection
  • Pneumonia
  • Ileus
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
  • Post-pneumonectomy Pulmonary Oedema
Late/Long Term
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
  • Wound Breakdown
  • Disease Recurrence