Postoperative Management of the Hospitalized Patient

Abstract

April 2007

Section 1 Basic Surgical and Perioperative Considerations

5 Postoperative Management of the Hospitalized Patient

Deborah. L. Marquardt, M.D.
Chief Resident, Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine

Roger P. Tatum, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine

Dana C. Lynge, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine

Certain basic categories of postoperative care apply to essentially all patients who undergo surgical procedures. This chapter provides a complete yet concise overview of each pertinent topic. Topics include disposition (same-day, surgical floor, or intensive care unit), care orders (tubes, drains, catheters, oxygen therapy, and wound care), nutrition, fluid management (resuscitation and maintenance), pain control, glycemic control, postoperative complications (fever, thromboembolism, pneumonia, and cardiac complications), and discharge planning. This chapter contains 49 references.

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