Surgery is often a necessary procedure to address a wide range of health issues, from minor ailments to major conditions. While it can be highly effective in treating these issues, it’s important to recognize that surgery also carries the risk of complications. Understanding these potential complications can help patients be better prepared and engage in proactive care during the recovery process.
In this article, we’ll examine a few typical post-surgery issues. Even though they are rather frequent, you must treat them right away to keep them from getting worse.
Immediate Post-Surgical Complications
After surgery, the body is in a delicate state of healing, and several immediate complications may arise. Bleeding is among the most frequent problems. Blood arteries may unintentionally be injured during surgery, or the surgical site may bleed more than expected.
According to a JAMA Network research, one of the most typical consequences following surgery is bleeding. Among the 39,813 patients who participated in the study, 4,638 faced major bleeding issues within the first 30 days. Around 42.7% of these events occurred within 24 hours after the surgery. Additionally:
- 77.7% of cases occurred within seven days
- 88.3% occurred within 14 days
- 94.6% occurred within 21 days
Surgeons and medical teams monitor blood loss closely, and in many cases, additional interventions may be required to address significant bleeding.
Infection is another serious concern that can occur immediately or after a long time of surgery. A study shows that infections can significantly contribute to post-operative mortality rates. They usually appear before the patient is discharged. Around 2 million nosocomial infections occur in the USA every year. However, they can even take around 30 days or even up to a year to show up.
Bacteria can still infiltrate the body even with strict sterilization procedures. The risk can be particularly high if the surgery involves an incision or if the patient’s immune system is impaired. Fever, swelling, and redness are some signs of infection. Antibiotic therapy and early diagnosis are essential for stopping the spread of illness.
Another alarming complication is wrong-site surgery. While it occurs during the procedure, the consequences and pain are felt shortly after the surgery. As noted by the World Health Organization, around 300 million surgeries are carried out worldwide in a year. Despite all the care that surgeons and hospital staff take, errors continue to occur at a high rate.
This kind of error can lead to immediate and long-term physical and psychological consequences for patients. They can range from unnecessary pain to permanent disability or even death. However, this is something that doctors can avoid through transparent communication and care.
Therefore, the blame for a wrong-site surgery can be put on the doctors and the staff performing the procedure. In this case, a patient can hire a local attorney and file a lawsuit to get fair compensation. The importance of hiring a local lawyer cannot be neglected.
Consider the example of a recent crash that occurred in Edwardsville, where two people were sent to hospital. The accident happened on Route 143 in July 2024. Edwardsville and Illinois police responded to the crash along with the fire and EMS crew.
Now, imagine that the two people who were sent to the hospital had to undergo emergency surgery due to their injuries. However, the doctor attending to the wounded performed a wrong-site surgery on one of the patients. In that case, a lawsuit can be filed against the surgeon.
Since the accident happened in Edwardsville, it would be wise to hire an attorney who practices there. The idea is that an Edwardsville personal injury lawyer will have a thorough understanding of the local rules and regulations.
Moreover, he or she will also have a good network with the law enforcers in the area. By doing this, you may make your case stronger and close any gaps that could allow the surgeon to escape.
A personal injury lawyer, according to TorHoerman Law, may assist you in gathering evidence for your case. They can also collect witness statements to improve your chances of winning. They can also compute the damages and engage in negotiations to secure the appropriate settlement for you. Since medical damages are very challenging to calculate, having a professional by your side can give you a sense of relief.
Delayed Complications and Their Management
Some complications may not be immediately apparent but can develop as the body heals. These delayed complications can include wound healing issues. The healing process is complex and can be disrupted by various factors such as poor blood circulation, diabetes, or smoking.
When wounds do not heal properly, they may become chronic or lead to further health issues. It’s important to schedule routine check-ups with medical professionals to monitor the healing process and handle any issues.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is another potential delayed complication. When a blood clot develops in a deep vein, usually in the legs, it is called DVT. It can be a risk after surgery due to prolonged immobility.
If a clot dislodges, it can travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition. To mitigate this risk, patients may be given medications to prevent clot formation and advised on exercises to encourage blood flow.
As noted by Medical News Today, a patient can work with a physical therapist to determine the right exercise. Therapists can guide you on the best exercise that can cause minimal pain while offering maximum benefits to you. Additionally, mechanical measures like compression stockings or pneumatic compression devices are useful in improving blood flow.
Long-Term Complications and Their Impact
Long-term complications can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and may require ongoing management. Chronic pain is one such consequence that may last for a long time, even after the surgical site has healed.
Damage to the nerves, the development of scar tissue, or other causes may be the cause of this discomfort. A sophisticated strategy is frequently used to manage chronic pain, involving medicine, physical therapy, and even psychological assistance.
After surgery, the typical incidence of persistent pain is 20–30%, and it gradually declines over time. The incidence might change based on the kind of procedure. Nonetheless, the great variation in the incidence (5–85%) is mostly due to methodological variations brought forth by various data-gathering techniques.
Scarring is another long-term issue that can affect patients physically and emotionally. While some scarring is inevitable, its extent can vary depending on the type of surgery, the surgical technique used, etc. Sometimes, patients decide to have more operations or treatments to make scars seem better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the risk of complications from surgery?
While there is always some risk associated with surgery, being aware of the potential side effects can help you make wiser choices. Anesthesia reaction, postoperative discomfort, nerve injury, and infection are examples of potential dangers. Septic shock, internal hemorrhage, and pneumonia are possible outcomes in extreme situations.
How long after surgery can complications occur?
Common general postoperative sequelae include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), wound infection, atelectasis, and postoperative fever. Problems are most prevalent one to three days after surgery.
What are the delayed postoperative complications?
These consist of seromas, eviscerations, ileus, anastomotic leaks, surgical wound infections, and health issues, including thrombosis and pneumonia. Complications that manifest later are more particular to the kind of surgery that was done.
Understanding the potential complications that may arise after surgery is significant for effective patient care and recovery. While immediate, delayed, and long-term complications can pose challenges, proactive measures and vigilant management can significantly improve outcomes. Patients who are informed and engaged in their recovery process are better equipped to handle the complexities of postoperative care.
