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Postoperative measures

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

There are several practices that are of value to the surgical patient in the postoperative period:

  • nasogastric suction evacuates swallowed air which potentiates postoperative ileus
  • intravenous fluids
  • antibiotic treatment; this is discontinued with resolution of peritonitis
  • treat postoperative shock; this complication is unlikely if earlier measures have been successfully carried through, although it is prudent to monitor and correct the fluid balance and operative blood losses
    • in the elderly, monitor blood gases to guard against metabolic acidosis and hypoxia
    • carefully used, dopamine can increase cardiac output and renal blood flow
  • sedation
  • respiratory complications:
    • promote the cough reflex by injecting bupivacaine into the wound for 48-72 hours in those with existing respiratory disease
    • be wary of ARDS, liase with the anaesthetist if there was major sepsis and respiratory signs are worsening
  • watch for paralytic ileus and consider metabolic abnormalities, residual intraperitoneal abscess or mechanical adhesive obstruction
  • residual abscesses are common and may need drainage

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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